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Leaders of Southeast Asian countries opened the 49th ASEAN summit in Manila on Sunday, AnewZ reported. Talks are focusing on the Myanmar crisis, security and economic uncertainty. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for continued engagement with Myanmar and stressed the need for a stronger response to conflict and disruptions to energy supplies.
Marcos said ASEAN members had agreed to maintain “constructive and principled engagement” with Myanmar under the “Five-Point Consensus.” The peace framework was adopted after the 2021 military coup.
The summit, running from November 15 to 17, is attended by regional leaders and representatives of international partners, including Canada and Brazil. Discussions are also expected to address tensions in the South China Sea and the economic consequences of the conflict in the Middle East.
ASEAN members differ over approach to Myanmar
Five years after Myanmar’s military seized power and a prolonged civil conflict began, the country’s future remains one of ASEAN’s most difficult diplomatic challenges.
The “Five-Point Consensus” calls for an immediate end to violence, dialogue among all parties, humanitarian assistance and mediation through an ASEAN special envoy. Progress, however, has been limited. Members remain divided over whether Myanmar’s military-backed leadership should be allowed to return to high-level ASEAN meetings.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary and ASEAN special envoy Theresa Lazaro on Saturday rejected claims that the bloc had softened its stance on Myanmar. “There is no softening of our approach to Myanmar. The ‘Five-Point Consensus’ remains in force,” Lazaro told reporters.
Thailand and several other ASEAN members have increased engagement with Myanmar. Proposals to review restrictions on Myanmar’s political representatives are also under discussion.
Marcos highlighted the humanitarian consequences of the conflict at an informal leaders’ meeting on Sunday. “Myanmar is not just an item on ASEAN’s agenda. Myanmar is part of our ASEAN family,” he said.
The Philippine president called on leaders to support a peaceful, inclusive political process led by Myanmar. He said greater attention should be given to displaced families and communities in need of humanitarian assistance.
Energy cooperation and tensions in the South China Sea
Opening the summit’s plenary session, Marcos said months of negotiations among ASEAN members and partners had produced more than 100 draft outcome documents. He called for stronger cooperation on economic resilience, security and regional development under ASEAN’s long-term vision through 2045.
“That is why we must continue to deepen our partnerships on the basis of mutual benefit,” Marcos said.
Energy security was also a central theme of his speech. The Philippine president said disruptions to fuel and electricity supplies directly affect families and businesses. He called for stronger regional energy links, diversified energy sources and faster development of renewable energy. Marcos described ASEAN’s proposed power grid as an important foundation for improving regional energy security.
The summit comes amid continuing tensions between the Philippines and China over disputed waters in the South China Sea. Manila has expanded military cooperation with international partners, including the United States, Japan and Australia, and accused Chinese vessels of aggressive actions in disputed areas.
Beijing says its activities at sea are lawful and has criticized joint military exercises by the Philippines and its allies. On Sunday, the Philippines and Australia signed a defense cooperation agreement aimed at facilitating joint military activities and strengthening maritime security.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who attended the signing ceremony, also announced additional investment in maritime surveillance, drone technology and defense training.
Police clash with protesters near Manila summit
Hundreds of protesters clashed with Manila police on Sunday as they tried to march toward the venue hosting the ASEAN summit. Demonstrators from the New Patriotic Alliance protested the expected visit of U.S. President Donald Trump and criticized the conflict in the Middle East, which they said had contributed to rising prices and economic hardship in the Philippines.
Police prevented the protesters from approaching the venue. Footage circulated online showed officers pushing demonstrators back.
Protest leader Teddy Casino also accused Marcos, who is hosting foreign leaders, of neglecting domestic problems. “Our message to Donald Trump is this: you are not welcome here,” Casino said.
ASEAN is a regional organization founded in 1967 to promote economic cooperation, political dialogue and regional stability. Its members are the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Timor-Leste.
ASEAN plays a central role in regional diplomacy by bringing Southeast Asian governments together with major international powers, including China, the United States, Japan and Australia. As Southeast Asia is a global center for manufacturing, trade and shipping, stability in the region also matters for international supply chains and energy markets.
The Manila summit gives ASEAN leaders an opportunity to coordinate responses to regional challenges. However, major decisions largely depend on consensus among members.
