Diplomats Convene in Manila to Address Global Security Crises

Diplomats from Asia, Europe, and North America convened in Manila on July 23, 2026, for the ASEAN Regional Forum to address intensifying global instability. The forum focused primarily on the war in Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which have disrupted international energy and food supply chains.

Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, advocated for a diplomatic resolution to the Middle East conflict but asserted that Tehran is not serious about negotiations. In addition to the Middle East crisis, the meeting addressed naval frictions between China and the Philippines following a recent altercation near a disputed reef.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged regional cooperation and called for countries to resist foreign incitement to maintain peace in the South China Sea. China's Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying noted that the Middle East situation has disrupted security and resilience, emphasizing an urgent need for stability during a period of global turbulence.