“Philippines Calls on ASEAN to Stand by Rule of Law Against Unilateral Moves”

Philippines Calls on ASEAN to Uphold Rule of Law Amid Rising Global Tensions

Southeast Asian nations must exercise restraint and adhere to international law as acts of aggression and unilateral actions elsewhere threaten the rules-based global order, the Philippines’ top diplomat said Thursday.

Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro made the remarks during ASEAN’s first major closed-door foreign ministers’ meeting of the year in Cebu, citing ongoing maritime tensions, internal conflicts, and unresolved border disputes across the region.

Although she did not name countries directly, concerns have been raised over a U.S. operation that led to the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, and China’s growing assertiveness around Taiwan and in the South China Sea. Both powers are key trading and security partners for ASEAN, making the diplomatic balance delicate.

“Unilateral actions beyond Southeast Asia continue to undermine multilateral institutions and regional stability,” Lazaro said. She urged ASEAN members to rely on restraint, dialogue, and the rule of law to preserve peace.

As ASEAN chair this year, the Philippines is also addressing long-standing regional issues, including the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute, the stalled five-point peace plan for Myanmar, and the push to finalize a Code of Conduct with China for South China Sea disputes.