ASEAN foreign ministers are gathering in Manila with a packed agenda centered on some of Southeast Asia’s most urgent regional challenges. The talks are expected to focus on energy and food security, the continuing crisis in Myanmar, and tensions in the South China Sea.
Food security is emerging as a major concern alongside pressure on energy supplies. The issue is becoming more prominent as climate change threatens agricultural production across Southeast Asia, raising worries about supply disruptions and the broader impact on prices and stability.
The meeting also comes as ASEAN continues to face difficult questions over Myanmar. The ongoing crisis remains a key test for the regional bloc as ministers discuss how to respond while maintaining unity among member states.
South China Sea tensions are also set to feature prominently in Manila. Together, the issues on the table highlight how ASEAN is being pulled toward immediate security concerns while also dealing with longer-term risks tied to climate, food systems and regional resilience.
