ASEAN unity faces test as energy crisis, regional conflicts loom over summit
USO•ASEAN leaders will meet in Manila on November 15-17 to discuss rising energy costs, regional conflicts and other challenges, including Myanmar and the South China Sea. Negotiations with China on a South China Sea Code of Conduct are about 70% complete, a Philippine foreign ministry spokesperson said.
1. Summit agenda
Southeast Asian foreign ministers begin meetings in Manila on Saturday ahead of the November 15-17 ASEAN summit, where leaders will meet counterparts from the United States, China and Japan. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the bloc needs to act together on rising oil prices, security concerns and the approaching El Niño.
2. Energy costs and conflict
Higher fuel costs have squeezed households and businesses in the Philippines and other import-dependent Southeast Asian economies, adding to inflation pressures. Proposals for a shared regional oil stockpile remain under study. A Japan-led energy summit is also planned for next week.
3. Myanmar and South China Sea
ASEAN leaders are expected to review implementation of the bloc's five-point consensus on Myanmar, with their decision to appear in a negotiated summit document. Philippine foreign ministry spokesperson Dominic Xavier Imperial said negotiations with China on a South China Sea Code of Conduct are about 70% complete, referring to overall progress rather than the share of text agreed.
