The 69-year-old secured the presidency following a parliamentary vote broadcast live from Naypyitaw, where lawmakers aligned with the army-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party and constitutionally mandated military appointees ensured a decisive outcome.

His elevation follows elections held in December and January that delivered a sweeping victory to the military-backed party, polls widely criticized by Western governments and opposition groups as lacking credibility and designed to entrench military rule under a civilian façade.

Min Aung Hlaing, who has led Myanmar’s armed forces since 2011, recently oversaw a leadership reshuffle within the military, appointing loyalist Ye Win Oo as commander-in-chief after being nominated for the presidency earlier this week. Analysts view the transition as a calculated move to retain influence over both civilian and military institutions while seeking greater international legitimacy.

The general seized power in the February 2021 coup, detaining Suu Kyi and other senior leaders, an event that triggered mass protests and evolved into an entrenched civil war involving pro-democracy forces and ethnic armed groups.

Despite the formal political transition, fighting continues across multiple regions. This week, anti-junta factions, including elements linked to Suu Kyi’s political movement and ethnic militias, announced the formation of a broader alliance aimed at dismantling military rule and establishing a federal democratic system.

Analysts say the consolidation of power under Min Aung Hlaing could lead to intensified military operations against resistance forces, while also prompting regional actors to reassess diplomatic engagement with Myanmar’s leadership amid ongoing instability and economic strain.

Marcos told reporters he had consulted counterparts across the 10-member bloc on whether to postpone the gathering, but leaders agreed that coordination was more critical given the external shocks affecting fuel supply chains, food prices and migrant workers.

“The consensus that we came to is that it is precisely now that we must coordinate our efforts,” Marcos said.

The streamlined agenda will concentrate on immediate economic pressures facing Southeast Asia, including volatility in energy markets and rising food costs, which governments in the region are monitoring closely as geopolitical tensions persist.

ASEAN economies are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in global fuel prices due to their reliance on imports, while supply chain disruptions have added strain to domestic inflation dynamics in several member states.

Marcos said discussions would also address the welfare of migrant workers, a key issue for ASEAN countries that rely heavily on overseas employment. Regional governments have been assessing the impact of instability in the Middle East, a major destination for Southeast Asian labour.

The Philippine government has already flagged concerns about overseas workers in affected areas, reflecting broader anxieties across ASEAN about potential displacement and income disruptions.

The decision to proceed with the summit underscores ASEAN’s preference for continuity in regional dialogue despite global uncertainty. Marcos indicated that postponement was considered but ultimately rejected in favour of maintaining diplomatic engagement.

The summit is expected to retain core leadership interactions while scaling back ceremonial and extended policy sessions, reflecting what Marcos described as a need for efficiency under current conditions.

Emphasizing peace, cooperation, and regional stability, Chinese officials reaffirmed the country’s commitment to resolving differences through diplomatic channels rather than confrontation.

According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the appeal was made after reports of a minor clash between Chinese and Philippine vessels near Sandy Cay, a small coral reef within the Spratly Islands.

The area, long contested by multiple nations, remains a sensitive zone for maritime navigation and resource exploration. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian urged all parties to avoid actions that could heighten tensions, saying that China remains focused on “safeguarding peace, promoting dialogue, and ensuring the safety of all maritime routes in the region.”

A Call for Dialogue and Stability

Lin Jian reiterated China’s stance that maintaining regional stability and mutual respect should be the guiding principle for managing maritime disputes. He called on the Philippines to work with Beijing toward peaceful and constructive dialogue, noting that both nations share a long history of cultural, economic, and social ties.

“China hopes that the Philippines will stop actions that complicate the situation and instead return to the path of cooperation and consultation,” Lin said during the press briefing.

He emphasized that China’s efforts in the South China Sea are primarily aimed at safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and ensuring safe navigation, not at provoking conflict.

The spokesperson also highlighted that the Chinese Coast Guard and relevant authorities have acted with restraint and professionalism, focusing on preventing escalation and ensuring the safety of all personnel at sea.

This statement aligns with China’s consistent position that disputes should be managed under the framework of regional peace and international law, especially through mechanisms such as the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea, currently being negotiated between China and ASEAN member states.

Focus on Peaceful Development

In recent years, Beijing has repeatedly underlined its commitment to peaceful development and regional cooperation. China has been actively working with neighboring countries on initiatives that promote trade, connectivity, environmental protection, and joint maritime research.

Despite differing territorial claims, China continues to stress that disputes should not overshadow broader cooperation or economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region.

Analysts believe that China’s latest statement reflects a measured and diplomatic approach to the ongoing tensions. Rather than escalating rhetoric, Beijing is choosing to highlight the importance of mutual understanding and dialogue.

The South China Sea, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes, carries enormous strategic and economic importance — making stability in the region vital not just for claimant states but for the global economy.

Strengthening Regional Trust

The incident near Sandy Cay comes at a time when both China and the Philippines are seeking ways to rebuild trust and cooperation. The two nations have engaged in regular diplomatic consultations and previously cooperated on joint initiatives in areas such as fisheries management, coast guard communication, and environmental protection.

China’s call for dialogue reinforces its view that regional issues should be resolved among regional partners, without external interference.

Observers note that China’s foreign policy underlines non-confrontation and mutual benefit, particularly with neighboring ASEAN countries. Beijing’s consistent message has been that peaceful negotiation, rather than confrontation, is the most effective way to manage complex maritime issues.

A Positive Outlook for Peace

While maritime tensions continue to test regional relations, the tone of China’s latest response offers hope for constructive diplomacy and peaceful coexistence. By urging restraint and cooperation, China is signaling that it remains open to dialogue and practical solutions that uphold peace, security, and shared prosperity.

The latest developments serve as a reminder that diplomacy remains the most effective path forward. With careful negotiation and continued engagement, both China and the Philippines can contribute to a more stable, cooperative, and prosperous Asia-Pacific region, setting a positive example for peaceful conflict resolution in the modern world.

Speaking at a forum in Hawaii streamed live in the Philippines on Monday, Marcos said there was commitment from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but the issue was complex, including the humanitarian impact.

The United Nations says more than a million people have been displaced since Myanmar’s military staged a coup in 2021, upending a decade of tentative democracy and plunging the country into conflict and economic ruin.

“There is a great deal of impetus for ASEAN to solve this problem. But it is a very, very difficult problem,” Marcos said.

The junta’s post-coup crackdown on opponents gave rise to a resistance movement that has been growing in strength. ASEAN has barred the top generals from attending its meeting until they commit to the bloc’s two-year-old peace roadmap.

The Philippines will chair ASEAN in 2026 after it replaced Myanmar as host that year.

Tens of thousands more people have been displaced since last month as the military battles a coordinated offensive by an alliance of three ethnic-minority groups and pro-democracy fighters.

Marcos, citing analyses of the recent escalation, said the junta had already lost support from its own military.

He said the humanitarian cost of conflict had “grown exponentially” in recent years, with the Philippines also impacted with its citizens among victims of human trafficking there.

The GCC comprises Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE. In recent years, these nations have been increasingly engaging with ASEAN, a political and economic union of ten Southeast Asian states, including the Philippines.

The first joint summit between the two blocs is scheduled to take place next week in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.

Ambassador Al-Qahtani stated, “The upcoming meeting of the GCC and ASEAN countries, scheduled for October 20, 2023, in Riyadh, with the participation of the leaders of the states, is expected to emphasize the importance of enhancing political and strategic relations.”

He further highlighted that the summit aims to encourage trade and economic cooperation, promote joint investments, and foster mutual growth and development for both Saudi Arabia and the Philippines. The ambassador expressed confidence that the meeting would strengthen political, economic, and strategic ties between the two nations.

Leading the Philippine delegation to the summit will be President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who will be accompanied by key members of his Cabinet.

Ambassador Al-Qahtani revealed that several agreements are set to be signed on the sidelines of the summit, which will significantly enhance the existing bilateral cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines.

He applauded the continuous development of Saudi-Philippine relations across various sectors, describing them as a model of successful political, cultural, and economic cooperation that promotes the exchange of expertise and knowledge, thereby enhancing regional and international peace and stability.

Trade between the two nations has been flourishing, with the Philippines emerging as an important export destination for the Kingdom. The country’s position as a trade partner for Saudi Arabia has been growing at an annual rate of 12.9 percent.

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia plays a crucial role in attracting Filipino labor, occupying a leading position within the Gulf Cooperation Council. The Kingdom is home to over one million Filipino workers, whose remittances contributed a significant amount of $1 billion to the Philippine economy in 2022.

Ambassador Al-Qahtani emphasized that this economic contribution plays a vital role in the Philippines’ economic development and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes fostering economic growth and collaboration on a global scale.

As the ASEAN-GCC summit approaches, both Saudi Arabia and the Philippines anticipate building upon their strong bilateral relations, exploring new avenues of collaboration, and further strengthening their ties for mutual benefit and prosperity.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov joined the summit in the Indonesian capital led by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), along with leaders of partner countries Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and others.

An undercurrent of tension has accompanied the talks on issues from trade and technology to China’s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea, the Myanmar junta’s refusal to cooperate with ASEAN on a peace plan, and suspicion North Korea plans to supply weapons to Russia.

“We all have a responsibility to not create new conflict, new tension, new war and at the same time we also have a responsibility to reduce tensions,” Widodo, as chair of the 10-member ASEAN bloc this year, said at the beginning of the East Asia Summit.

Indonesia said the forum should be a place for cooperation and not for the sharpening of animosities.

Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries have warned this week of “destructive” rivalries between major powers, a reference to looming U.S.-China tensions that they say puts them in danger.

On Wednesday, China’s Li warned against starting a “new Cold War” and warned countries against taking sides in any conflict.

Harris, attending the meetings instead of President Joe Biden, reiterated a U.S. commitment to the region.

“The United States has an enduring commitment to Southeast Asia and more broadly to the Indo-Pacific,” she said.

A White House official said earlier the U.S. shared interests with ASEAN in “upholding the rules-based international order, including in the South China Sea, in the face of China’s unlawful maritime claims and provocative actions”.

Harris underscored U.S. opposition to “unilateral changes to the status quo in the South China Sea and East China Sea” in meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, a White House spokesperson said. China and Japan both claim a tiny group of islands in the East China Sea.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, another staunch U.S. ally, said any attempts to change the status quo by force in the South China Sea could not be tolerated.

Mayanmar Crisis

China’s Li and Japan’s Kishida met briefly on the sidelines of the summit on Wednesday and discussed Japan’s release into the sea of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant.

An infuriated China has banned on all aquatic imports from Japan in response.

ASEAN leaders are also grappling with conflict in Myanmar, a member of their grouping beset by violence since the military ousted a government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021.

ASEAN has tried unsuccessfully to push for peace in Myanmar leading to questions about the influence of their politically diverse group.

Earlier in the week, ASEAN leaders expressed “grave concern” over the lack of progress on their peace plan but Myanmar said it rejected the comment and ASEAN should stick to its principle of not interfering in each other’s affairs.

Bangladesh President Mohammad Shahabuddin called for urgent action to find a solution to the turmoil in neighbouring Myanmar. Nearly one million Rohingya Muslims are living in camps in Bangladesh after fleeing from a military-led crackdown in Buddhist-majority Myanmar in 2017.

“It’s the collective responsibility of the international community to find the durable solution to this crisis,” he said at a meeting with ASEAN and other countries.

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said Myanmar was facing a “worsening political, humanitarian, and human rights” situation, and repeated calls for the junta to release all political prisoners.

The decision came at a meeting of economic ministers from the two sides in Indonesia on Monday, the statement from Indian government said. The ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) was signed in 2009.

“The review of AITIGA is expected to enhance and diversify trade while addressing the current asymmetry in the bilateral trade,” the statement said.

In July, India’s Trade Minister Piyush Goyal had termed the pact “ill-conceived” and unfair to Indian industry.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he discussed the matter with Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr who is in Kuala Lumpur for bilateral meetings.

Malaysia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have previously rejected any engagement with the junta, though Thailand this year hosted an informal meeting with Myanmar citing a need to maintain dialogue.

“We did touch on Myanmar to strengthen the five-point consensus of ASEAN but also give some flexibility…for neighbouring countries to engage on an informal basis without sacrificing the issue of human rights, and the treatment of minorities, particularly the Rohingya,” Anwar said in a joint press conference with Marcos.

The Philippines’ president did not comment on Myanmar.

ASEAN, which includes Myanmar among its 10 members, has pushed, without success, for the implementation of a five-point peace plan agreed with the junta shortly after a coup in early 2021.

Malaysia has been a vocal critic of the junta. Earlier this month, it urged ASEAN to strongly condemn the junta’s actions, including violence.

Jakarta (Reuters) – Foreign ministers of two dozen countries meet in Indonesia on Friday with U.S.-China rivalry, the war in Ukraine and North Korean missiles set to dominate roundtable talks in Southeast Asia’s annual security gathering.

Top diplomats from China, the United States and Russia were among those set to join Friday’s ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), where broad-based agendas are typically hijacked by the week’s geopolitical flare-ups, offering a theatre for fierce rebukes, superpower squabbles and occasional walk-outs.

In opening remarks to foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), chairman Indonesian President Joko Widodo said the gathering aimed to seek solutions rather than exacerbate regional and global problems.

“We, the ASEAN members that are developing, need the understanding, wisdom, support from developed countries, from our neighbouring countries, to leave the zero sum approach and take a win-win solution approach,” he said.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held “candid and constructive” talks with top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi on Thursday in Jakarta, according to the State Department, the latest in a series of interactions it said are aimed at managing differences between the two superpowers.

U.S.-China sparring dominated last year’s ARF, which came a few days after then U.S. house speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan, enraging Beijing, which launched live-fire drills around Taiwan and halted numerous channels of dialogue with Washington.

Thursday’s meeting was part of ongoing efforts to keep channels of communication open and “responsibly manage competition by reducing the risk of misperception and miscalculation,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement.

Wang told Blinken the key to bringing the relationship back on the right track was adopting “a rational and pragmatic attitude”, China’s foreign ministry said.

On Thursday, Chinese fighter jets monitored a U.S. Navy patrol plane that flew through the sensitive Taiwan Strait, as China carried out military exercises south of the island, which it claims as one of its provinces.

Lavrov : Western ‘Domination’

The 10-member ASEAN hosts an East Asia Summit on Friday morning before holding a separate meeting with Blinken.

They will be joined in the afternoon by foreign ministers of Russia, Australia, Japan, Britain, South Korea, and more, for the closed-doors ARF, which is expected to address Pyongyang’s launch this week of its latest Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile, which it defended on Thursday at the United Nations Security Council.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is also in Jakarta, where he gave an interview saying the war in Ukraine would not end until the West “gives up its plans to preserve its domination”, including its “obsessive desire” to defeat Russia strategically.

China’s Wang also met with Lavrov, and said the two sides would “strengthen strategic communication and coordination”.

Western nations are also expected to condemn Myanmar’s ruling military for its alleged atrocities against the civilian population, as the junta cracks down on its opponents and deploys fighter jets and heavy artillery to flush out an armed pro-democracy resistance movement.

ASEAN member Myanmar has been barred from the bloc’s meetings over the junta’s failure to honour a two-year-old deal with the grouping to end hostilities and start dialogue. ASEAN’s unity has been tested over how to approach the crisis.

The bloc late on Thursday “strongly condemned the continued acts of violence, including air strikes, artillery shelling, and destruction of public facilities” in its customary communique, which was issued more than 30 hours after foreign ministers concluded their meeting, a delay that in previous years has indicated discord over its contents.

Beijing (Reuters) – China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are pushing ahead with talks on a third version of a free trade agreement at an ASEAN summit in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta, China’s top diplomat Wang Yi said on Thursday.

Wang, who was attending the forum with foreign ministers from several countries said, “the two sides are actively promoting the negotiation of the free trade area version 3.0, and pushing for the full implementation of the RCEP.”

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is the world’s largest trade bloc backed by China. It took effect on Jan. 1, 2022 and groups 15 Asia-Pacific economies including Australia and Japan, as well as all 10 member-states of ASEAN.

The RCEP, seen as an alternative to the U.S.-led Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), covers nearly a third of the world’s population.

“We will continue to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN,” Wang said.

He said that would create “a more powerful strategic environment for both side’s development and revitalization as well as for the long-term peace and stability of the region.”

Earlier at a China customs press briefing, spokesperson Lv Daliang said: “China and ASEAN are each other’s largest trading partners, with a solid foundation of cooperation and huge development potential, with the deepening of regional economic integration, the continuous expansion of cooperation fields, and the continuous smooth trade exchanges, bilateral trade is expected to continue to maintain a good trend.”

According to customs data on Thursday, the value of China-ASEAN two-way trade hit $447.3 billion in January-June, down 1.5% year-on-year.