ASEAN and Quad Ministers Meet in Manila on Regional Security

Foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Quad coalition gathered in Manila between July 21 and 22, 2026, to address escalating regional tensions and economic integration. During the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, members admitted Türkiye as the bloc's 12th dialogue partner and reaffirmed support for the integration of Timor-Leste. Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Đặng Hoàng Giang proposed four measures to strengthen strategic autonomy and regional solidarity, while Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro emphasized that collective action is the only shield against external pressures in a fractured global landscape.

The ASEAN ministers issued a joint statement calling for restraint in the Middle East and the restoration of navigation safety in the Strait of Hormuz. They reaffirmed the Five-Point Consensus regarding Myanmar, though Vietnam advocated for a more flexible approach to reconciliation. The group also highlighted the importance of the 1982 UNCLOS for resolving disputes in the East Sea.

Following these sessions, foreign ministers from India, the United States, Australia, and Japan met to reaffirm their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The Quad ministers expressed support for ASEAN centrality and discussed the practical implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. These talks focused on maritime security, emerging technologies, and humanitarian assistance, occurring amid increasing Chinese military posturing in the region.