Renewed clashes between the United States and Iran have cast a shadow over the ASEAN meeting in Manila, with foreign ministers gathered for the ASEAN meeting in Manila to tackle pressing regional concerns.
The Philippines is hosting foreign ministers from across Southeast Asia. According to officials, the agenda includes regional security priorities such as the civil war in Myanmar and ongoing maritime disputes in the South China Sea.
However, the latest escalation between Washington and Tehran has dominated discussions. Ministers have urged an end to hostilities, noting the broader consequences for Asia.
Officials say the conflict has disrupted energy and food supplies, unsettled international trade and heightened fears of a wider economic slowdown across the region.
Impact on the ASEAN meeting in Manila
Diplomats are weighing how the external crisis could influence efforts to address issues closer to home. The question is whether the turbulence will complicate ASEAN coordination on Myanmar and the South China Sea or spur greater cooperation to cushion the region from external shocks.
The programme is being presented by James Bays. Guests include political scientist Richard Heydarian, ASEAN studies professor Phar Kim Ben, and lecturer Don McLain Gill, according to event details.
The gathering continues in Manila as ministers seek to keep the focus on regional stability while monitoring developments in the US-Iran confrontation.
