Malaysia formally handed over the ASEAN chairmanship to the Philippines on Tuesday, positioning Manila to lead the regional bloc in 2026 with the South China Sea disputes expected to top its agenda.
During the symbolic turnover in Kuala Lumpur, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowed to guide ASEAN under the theme “Navigating Our Future Together” and to implement the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to a peaceful, rules-based maritime order and urged cooperation with China through a meaningful and lawful Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
Analysts, however, cautioned that Manila must balance maritime issues with other ASEAN priorities, including the Myanmar crisis.
Marcos also met with Vietnam’s Prime Minister and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to discuss food security, regional stability, and climate cooperation.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 29, 2025
