PHILIPPINES HAILS ASEAN’S ROLE AS STABILISING FORCE IN US-CHINA TENSIONS

By Muhammad Adil Muzaffar Mohd Fisol

SEPANG, Oct 23 (Bernama) --  ASEAN continues to play a stabilising role in navigating the region’s growing geopolitical complexities, including the rivalry between the United States and China, and in maintaining regional balance, said Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro.

Speaking to Bernama upon her arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) for the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, Lazaro said ASEAN’s contribution may be incremental, but its collective approach remains vital in sustaining peace and dialogue in the region.

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“In terms of US-China relations, ASEAN has always played a role in navigating these geopolitical powers. I think the contribution is incremental,” she said.

Lazaro also commended Malaysia’s leadership as the current ASEAN Chair, noting that its diplomatic efforts have strengthened the regional bloc’s capacity to manage major power relations.

“This has been an issue with past chairs, and you here in Malaysia have done so much in navigating these challenges. Hopefully, we will be continuing. It is our position that the Philippines will carry on what Malaysia has started,” she said.

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Lazaro added that the Philippines pledges to continue ASEAN’s collective efforts in addressing key geopolitical and economic issues as it assumes the bloc’s chairmanship from Malaysia at the conclusion of the 47th ASEAN Summit.

Describing the gathering as an important platform for discussions on regional and global issues, she said the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits serve as a crucial avenue to address key geopolitical challenges.

“The Philippine delegation is here in full force because it is our annual platform to deliberate on various geopolitical issues.

“Most importantly, we are now ready to receive the transfer of the ASEAN Chairmanship from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” she said, adding that Manila looks forward to strengthening coordination under the ASEAN Troika mechanism.

The ASEAN Troika, established in 2023, comprises the current, previous and incoming chairs to ensure continuity in ASEAN’s work, particularly in handling the crisis in Myanmar.

Malaysia, which holds the ASEAN Chairmanship this year under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, will host the 47th ASEAN Summit from Oct 26 to 28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. This is the fifth time Malaysia has assumed the ASEAN Chair since the bloc’s inception in 1967, with previous chairmanships in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.

The Philippines will take over the ASEAN Chairmanship from Malaysia in 2026.

-- BERNAMA