Diplomats from Asia, Europe, and North America gather in Manila to address pressing security issues, including the war in Iran and its global implications.
Singapore, Singapore Jul 23, 2026 ALN: Top diplomats from Asia, Europe, and North America gathered on July 23 for the security-focused ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila, where ministers were expected to issue calls for a peaceful settlement after renewed and intensifying hostilities in the Middle East. This gathering highlights the ongoing geopolitical tensions that have significant implications not only for the regions directly involved but also for global security and economic stability.
The war in Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz could dominate discussions at the plenary event, which will be attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, and top officials from China, Australia, India, Japan, Britain, and elsewhere. The participation of such a diverse group of nations underscores the global ramifications of the conflicts in the Middle East, particularly given that these nations have vested interests in maintaining stability in the region.
The war has been a key talking point in the gathering hosted by the 11-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a region with a combined gross domestic product of about US$3.8 trillion (S$4.9 trillion) that is heavily reliant on Middle East oil and particularly exposed to the fallout, which has stoked inflation around the world. ASEAN countries, many of which depend on energy imports, are acutely aware of how disruptions in oil supply can lead to increased prices and economic instability, impacting their growth and development.
“The world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation,” China’s vice-foreign minister Hua Chunying said in opening remarks at a forum on July 23 between ASEAN, Japan, South Korea, and China. Her statement reflects a broader sentiment among global leaders that the international order is shifting, with emerging powers asserting themselves and traditional alliances being tested.
“The situation in the Middle East has spilled over into energy and food supply chains, and security and resilience have been disrupted,” she said. “Demand for maintaining peace and stability has become more urgent.” The urgency of these discussions is amplified by the fact that the Middle East has long been a flashpoint for conflict, with repercussions that can ripple through global markets and international relations.
It has been 12 days since the Middle East ceasefire collapsed, and the US military launched attacks for a 12th successive night on July 23. The renewed hostilities have raised concerns about the potential for a broader regional conflict, which could further destabilize an already volatile area. The situation is compounded by the involvement of various non-state actors and proxy groups, which complicate the dynamics of the conflict.
Iran-aligned Houthis also claimed hits on two Saudi oil tankers as part of a blockade that risks forming a second chokehold on global oil supplies at the Red Sea, alongside the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil transportation, with a significant percentage of the world's oil passing through this narrow waterway. Any disruption here can lead to significant increases in oil prices, affecting economies worldwide.
Rubio said on July 22 that the United States wanted a diplomatic solution, but Tehran was not playing ball. “The problem we’re having right now is that they’re not serious about talks,” he told ASEAN ministers. The US's stance reflects a broader diplomatic challenge, as the complexities of the Iranian situation involve not only regional actors but also global powers with differing interests and strategies.
Rubio was due to meet Russia’s Lavrov on July 23 and said he would discuss the Ukraine war, adding that Washington was looking to play a constructive role in ending it. The inclusion of the Ukraine conflict in discussions at the ASEAN forum illustrates the interconnected nature of contemporary geopolitical issues, where one conflict can influence another, and where resolutions require multilateral cooperation.
Another focal point of talks in Manila has been the South China Sea and long-running tension between Beijing and US ally the Philippines, which Washington is treaty-bound to defend in the event of an attack on its vessels. The South China Sea is not only a critical maritime route for global trade but also a region rich in natural resources, making it a hotspot for territorial disputes.
China’s coast guard, deployed widely for years and in vast numbers far off its mainland, was involved in a brief altercation with Philippine navy personnel on July 20 near a disputed reef in Manila’s exclusive economic zone, prompting both countries to summon each other’s ambassadors. Such incidents highlight the fragility of peace in the region and the potential for misunderstandings to escalate into more serious confrontations.
Beijing claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea via a line on its maps that cuts into parts of the exclusive economic zones, or EEZs, of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. China does not recognize a 2016 arbitration ruling that said those claims had no basis under international law. This rejection of international legal frameworks complicates the resolution of disputes and raises concerns about the rule of law in international waters.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, meeting ASEAN counterparts on July 22, described the South China Sea as “our common home” and said cooperation and friendship should be the narrative. His remarks reflect China's desire to frame its claims in a more positive light, emphasizing collaboration over confrontation. However, the underlying tensions remain, as many ASEAN nations are wary of China's assertiveness in the region.
Regional countries should “resist the incitement of foreign forces, oppose individual countries using the sea to make trouble, and firmly take the leading position to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea in their own hands,” he said, according to an official statement. This call for unity among ASEAN nations underscores the importance of regional solidarity in addressing external pressures and conflicts that threaten their collective interests.
The outcomes of the ASEAN Regional Forum could have significant implications for the future of regional security and cooperation. As global dynamics continue to evolve, the ability of nations to work collaboratively to address shared challenges will be crucial in ensuring stability and prosperity in an increasingly interconnected world.
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