At the conclusion of their weekly meetings in Manila, foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will issue a call drawing attention to the global tensions caused by the US-Iran war. The draft statement aims for freedom of navigation and overflight in international straits, and specifically demands "unimpeded" passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned ASEAN representatives earlier this week that Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz would set a "dangerous precedent." Rubio said, "A fundamental principle regarding freedom of navigation is under threat."
The closure of the strait following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran has led to energy shortages and price hikes in the region. This prompted the import-dependent Philippines to declare a national emergency.
The ASEAN draft statement refers to energy cooperation among member states, but notes that no progress has been made on the previously announced regional energy grid or fuel-sharing plan.
Tensions in the South China Sea dominate the meeting
The meetings in Manila began under the shadow of the latest clash between China and host Philippines in the South China Sea. China's Ambassador to Manila, Jing Quan, who was summoned by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, said the incident would not affect the long-running negotiations on a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea.
Jing said, "Whatever happens at the bilateral level, I believe our desire to complete the (code) negotiations by the end of the year remains unchanged."
Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan told local media on Wednesday that he believed the agreement would be completed by the ASEAN leaders' summit in Manila in November.
However, Ambassador Jing stressed that the document would not address bilateral issues such as China's territorial disputes with the Philippines, but would instead focus on "rules of engagement" for the sea lane.
Analysts warn that any document acceptable to both Beijing and ASEAN member states will lack binding force.
