Philippines Urges ASEAN To Uphold Restraint, Dialogue Amid Evolving Security Challenges
From Linda Khoo Hui Li
CEBU CITY (Philippines), Jan 29 (Bernama) -- The Philippines, as ASEAN Chair, on Thursday called on ASEAN member states to remain anchored in restraint, dialogue and adherence to international law, warning that security challenges in Southeast Asia have “evolved and diversified”.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro said the global geopolitical security environment has become not only more challenging but also more complex and interconnected.
Across Southeast Asia, she said the region continues to face tensions at sea, protracted internal conflicts, as well as unresolved border and humanitarian concerns.
Beyond Southeast Asia, she said unilateral actions that carry cross-regional implications continue to affect regional stability and erode multilateral institutions in the rules-based international order.
“Taken together, these realities underscore the continuing importance of ASEAN’s time-honoured principles of restraint, dialogue and adherence to international law in seeking to preserve peace and stability for our peoples,” she said in her opening remarks at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ (AMM) Retreat here.
Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan was also present at the retreat, alongside his ASEAN counterparts.
The AMM Retreat is the first major meeting under the ASEAN Political Security Community (APSC) pillar during the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship in 2026.
Lazaro said the retreat provides ASEAN member states with a platform to take stock of the bloc’s priorities and exchange views on regional and global developments that directly affect Southeast Asia.
She said the retreat also comes at a pivotal moment as the bloc begins implementing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which will guide ASEAN’s journey towards a resilient, innovative and people-centred community over the next two decades.
Lazaro said the Philippines, as ASEAN Chair, is guided by the theme ‘Navigating Our Future, Together’ and anchored on three priorities - peace and security anchors, prosperity corridors, and people empowerment - reflecting its belief that stability, growth and human security must advance hand-in-hand.
“We aim to ensure that ASEAN strategic goals are translated into concrete, people-centred outcomes,” she said, adding that the Philippines stands ready to work closely with member states, the ASEAN Secretariat and external partners during its chairship to deliver meaningful and practical benefits for the ASEAN community.
-- BERNAMA
