ASEAN's foreign ministers and key partners convened in Manila amid heightened geopolitical tensions, focusing on regional challenges such as maritime disputes in the South China Sea, Myanmar's civil war, and the impact of the US-Iran conflict on Southeast Asia.

The meeting, hosted by the Philippines, aimed to discuss stability in the region, with the US condemning China's actions in the South China Sea and reaffirming support for the Philippines.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized freedom of navigation and criticized China's aggressive posture, while Australia pledged additional aid to enhance the Philippines' maritime surveillance.The gathering also addressed ASEAN's stalled efforts to resolve Myanmar's conflict and the need for a code of conduct with China.

With global tensions rising due to the US-Iran conflict, the meeting highlighted the interconnectedness of regional and international security issues.