Southeast Asian leaders are convening in Cebu this week for the 48th Asean Summit, focusing on maritime tensions in the South China Sea and the ongoing energy crisis.
A key topic will be the negotiation of a Code of Conduct (COC) for the South China Sea, alongside discussions of broader regional security and economic issues.
A draft declaration indicates that leaders may propose a contingency plan aimed at upholding international law and ensuring freedom of navigation.
This plan could implicitly challenge the actions of the United States and Iran amid the conflict in the Middle East, which has adversely affected regional economies.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that while the COC will be on the agenda, a binding agreement is unlikely to be reached at this summit.
The discussions and negotiations on the COC are significant but remain separate from other Asean-related dialogues.
Dominic Xavier Imperial, DFA Spokesman
Asean members, in collaboration with China, are reportedly making progress in these negotiations, with commitments to increase engagement.
In addition to the maritime discussions, leaders will endorse crucial documents aimed at enhancing regional cooperation in security and energy.
A proposal for stronger coordination among Asean nations in maritime affairs is expected, including plans for an Asean Maritime Center in the Philippines.
The summit will also address the impact of the Middle East crisis on global oil supply and food security, highlighting the interconnectedness of nations.
Asean leaders will consider the Cebu Protocol, which seeks to amend the Asean Charter to facilitate Timor-Leste's integration as the 11th member.
Challenges such as rising food prices and the safety of migrant workers in conflict zones will be pressing topics during discussions.
The bloc's longstanding Petroleum Security Agreement, meant to ensure energy stability, has yet to be invoked, highlighting the need for effective mechanisms.
Myanmar's exclusion from Asean summits since its military coup in 2021 remains a contentious issue, with recent developments regarding its political situation.
Expectations for a legally binding COC remain low, as negotiations with China have stalled over enforcement and legal status disputes.
Analysts suggest any agreements reached may lack enforceability, focusing instead on political declarations rather than binding commitments.