Iran, Myanmar, and South China Sea crises become major topics at ASEAN meeting

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MANILA: ASEAN foreign ministers will meet in Manila, Philippines, to discuss major security crises that are affecting the region and the global economy. Key topics include tensions between the United States and Iran, the civil war in Myanmar and maritime disputes in the South China Sea. ASEAN is expected to call on relevant parties to resolve issues through dialogue and to refrain from actions that could escalate the situation. The crisis in the Middle East is causing great concern as disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz could raise energy and commodity prices in Southeast Asia. Before the conflict erupted, the vital waterway carried about a fifth of the world’s oil. On the Myanmar crisis, ASEAN is trying to push for the implementation of a five-point consensus, which includes stopping violence, starting dialogue and providing humanitarian assistance. ASEAN’s special envoy also said he would engage with all parties concerned in Myanmar. Meanwhile, ASEAN and China will continue discussions on a code of conduct in the South China Sea to reduce the risk of conflict and peacefully manage maritime disputes. The meeting in Manila takes place from July 18 to 24, 2026. Senior officials from the United States, China, Russia, Japan, India, Australia, and the European Union are also expected to attend the related meetings.