Cebu: The Philippines will push stronger maritime cooperation and a unified regional response to the Middle East crisis as it chairs the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Cebu this week. Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary and ASEAN spokesperson Dominic Xavier Imperial said Manila will endorse three key outcome documents under the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) pillar for consideration by regional leaders.

According to Philippines News Agency, Imperial mentioned that the ASEAN Leaders' Declaration on Maritime Cooperation is among the proposed measures. This initiative aims to enhance coordination in managing regional waters through initiatives such as the formal inclusion of the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum as a sectoral body and the proposed establishment of an ASEAN Maritime Centre in the Philippines. The maritime initiative comes amid ongoing negotiations between ASEAN and China for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, which seeks to establish rules to prevent conflict and manage tensions in disputed areas.

The Philippines has been advocating for the early conclusion of a legally binding COC, with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier urging ASEAN partners to accelerate negotiations during the country's chairship this year. Also up for endorsement is the ASEAN Leaders' Statement on the Response to the Middle East Crisis, which outlines the bloc's collective position following two special ASEAN foreign ministers' meetings convened earlier this year.

The conflict has disrupted global oil supply and contributed to rising fuel prices, affecting economies across Southeast Asia and raising concerns over energy security and inflation. Imperial noted that ASEAN leaders are expected to prioritize energy security, food security, and the safety of ASEAN nationals abroad amid the evolving geopolitical landscape.

A third document, the Cebu Protocol to Amend the ASEAN Charter, will also be presented for approval. It marks the first amendment to the ASEAN Charter since its adoption in 2007 and is expected to support institutional reforms, including Timor-Leste's full integration into the regional bloc.

The Philippines is hosting the 2026 ASEAN Summit under the theme 'Navigating Our Future, Together,' with discussions focused on strengthening regional resilience, maintaining peace and stability, and enhancing cooperation in the face of global uncertainties.