Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations began a major summit in the Philippines on Thursday as rising global tensions and energy supply concerns dominate the regional agenda.
The two day gathering comes at a time when Southeast Asian economies are facing growing pressure from instability in the Middle East, particularly disruptions affecting global oil and gas supplies. ASEAN nations are heavily dependent on imported fuel, making the region especially vulnerable to international energy shocks.
Officials said energy security, food supply stability, and crisis coordination would take centre stage during meetings involving leaders and ministers from the bloc’s 11 member states, which together represent nearly 700 million people.
ASEAN Pushes for Regional Energy Cooperation
The Philippines, which currently chairs ASEAN, is seeking to secure progress on a regional oil sharing framework aimed at strengthening collective energy security during crises.
Ma Theresa Lazaro said the worsening situation in the Middle East highlights the urgent need for ASEAN to improve institutional preparedness and regional coordination.
She warned that developments outside Southeast Asia can rapidly affect the region’s economies, especially through higher fuel costs and disruptions to trade flows.
A draft summit statement reportedly calls for uninterrupted movement of energy supplies and essential goods through global shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries a significant share of the world’s oil and gas exports.
Oil and Food Supply Concerns Drive Urgency
ASEAN countries are increasingly concerned about the impact of prolonged geopolitical instability on fuel prices, inflation, and food security.
The draft statement urges faster ratification of a regional fuel sharing agreement designed to ensure emergency energy access among member states during supply disruptions.
Leaders are also expected to stress the importance of protecting supply chains for agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, and industrial goods that are essential to economic stability across the region.
Analysts say the scale of the current energy crisis may force ASEAN to move beyond symbolic cooperation and adopt more practical measures.
Thailand and Cambodia Leaders Hold Key Meeting
Alongside broader regional discussions, the summit is also expected to address unresolved tensions between Thailand and Cambodia following deadly border clashes last year.
The Philippines arranged a three way meeting involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and leaders from both Thailand and Cambodia in an effort to maintain stability within the bloc.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said discussions would prioritise Thailand’s sovereignty and national interests, although he did not disclose specific agenda items.
Despite an uneasy ceasefire since December, tensions along parts of the Thailand Cambodia border remain unresolved.
Myanmar Crisis Remains a Divisive Issue
ASEAN leaders are also expected to revisit the ongoing political and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, which continues to divide the regional bloc.
Myanmar’s new civilian led government is attempting to rebuild ties with ASEAN following years of military rule after the 2021 coup. However, ASEAN has not formally recognised the country’s recent election results.
The bloc is reportedly seeking signs that Myanmar is committed to reconciliation and peace efforts, including allowing greater access to detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
The Philippines has called for ASEAN’s special envoy to be granted access to Suu Kyi as a signal of Myanmar’s willingness to engage constructively with regional partners.
South China Sea Talks Continue
ASEAN leaders are also likely to renew calls for progress on a long delayed code of conduct agreement with China regarding disputes in the South China Sea.
Although ASEAN and China have targeted 2026 for completing negotiations, competing territorial claims and geopolitical tensions continue to complicate efforts toward a binding agreement.
As the summit unfolds, ASEAN faces growing pressure to demonstrate stronger unity and more decisive action in response to overlapping economic, security, and geopolitical challenges.
With information from Reuters.
