ASEAN Chair Urges Greater Unity Amid Rising Security Challenges

LAPU LAPU CITY, Cebu, May 7, 2026 (KPT) — The Philippines on Thursday urged stronger ASEAN unity and resilience as the bloc confronts mounting geopolitical tensions, cyber threats and disruptions linked to the worsening crisis in the Middle East.

Opening the 31st ASEAN Political Security Community Council Meeting in Cebu, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said ASEAN must remain a “primary driving force” in shaping the regional architecture despite an increasingly complex global environment.

She identified developments in the Middle East, cybersecurity, transnational crime and maritime security as among the region’s most pressing concerns.

“We continue to wrestle with the deepening impacts of the situation in the Middle East on energy, food, and safety of our peoples,” Lazaro said, stressing the importance of preserving multilateralism and strengthening cooperation under the ASEAN Political Security Community pillar.

She also highlighted the need to bolster maritime cooperation, including support for the proposed ASEAN Maritime Centre in the Philippines.

“As a region linked by our seas, the maritime domain remains central to our pursuit of stability and prosperity,” she added.

The meeting, part of the 48th ASEAN Summit hosted by Manila, gathered foreign ministers including Cambodia’s Prak Sokhonn to discuss regional security cooperation and political challenges.

The Philippines, as ASEAN chair, is promoting initiatives on stability, maritime cooperation, food and energy security, and protection of Southeast Asian nationals.