In a statement issued April 13, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations warned that disruptions in one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints could ripple across global markets and destabilize economies, particularly in Asia.

“We call for the restoration of the safe, unimpeded, and continuous transit passage of vessels and aircraft in the Strait of Hormuz… as well as for all parties to ensure the safety of seafarers and ships,” the ministers said.

The 11-nation grouping also pushed for strict compliance with the ceasefire agreed on April 8 between the United States and Iran, stressing the need to prevent further escalation.

“We call for the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire… minimizing disruption to the flow of energy and essential goods, and mitigating its adverse impact on global economic stability,” the statement read.

ASEAN urged all parties to return to negotiations despite the breakdown in talks as of Sunday, warning that continued hostilities threaten both regional and global stability.

“We urge the United States… and the Islamic Republic of Iran to continue negotiations that will lead to the permanent end of the conflict and lasting peace and stability in the region,” it said.

The bloc also called on all sides to “exercise utmost restraint, cease all hostilities, [and] avoid any acts that may aggravate the situation.”

ASEAN is a regional bloc working together on economic, political, and security issues. With a combined population of over 670 million and a roughly $3.6 trillion economy, it is among the world’s largest economic groupings.

The region is highly sensitive to disruptions in global energy supply chains. The Strait of Hormuz—located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman—is a critical chokepoint through which about 20% of the world’s oil and LNG passes.

A large share of that energy is bound for Asia. Estimates suggest nearly 90% of oil shipments through Hormuz head to Asian markets, with Southeast Asian economies heavily reliant on Middle Eastern crude and gas imports.

Any disruption to this route can quickly translate into higher fuel costs, rising food prices, and broader inflation pressures, particularly for energy-importing countries.

The ASEAN statement comes amid a rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East following a two-week ceasefire agreement announced on April 8 involving the United States and Iran, with mediation by Pakistan and indirect involvement of Israel.

While the deal included commitments to pause major attacks and reopen the Strait of Hormuz for safe energy shipments, the truce has proven fragile.

News reports indicate that violations have already occurred on multiple fronts; fighting continues in areas such as Lebanon, where the ceasefire terms remain unclear; and peace negotiations have stalled as of Sunday, raising the risk of renewed escalation.

Analysts describe the situation as a “dangerous pause,” a temporary de-escalation rather than a durable peace.

Against this backdrop, ASEAN underscored the need for diplomacy and adherence to international law.

“We underscore the importance of maintaining regional peace, stability and prosperity… and promoting earnest dialogue and diplomacy as the primary means of addressing conflicts,” the ministers said.

The bloc also reiterated that all states must “resolve their differences through peaceful means,” protect civilians, and respect sovereignty — principles it warned are critical to preventing a wider global crisis.

In his remarks for the Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of Philippines-Holy See Diplomatic relations, held at Ayuntamiento de Manila in Intramuros, President Marcos said the Philippines is mindful of the hardships endured by the diaspora, including the seafarers, in their pursuit of a better life for themselves and their families.

“As such, the Philippines looks forward to deepening its collaboration with the Holy See on the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration — the world’s first comprehensive intergovernmental plan to protect the rights of migrants,” said President Marcos.

“In a world that has become increasingly volatile, uncertain, and complex, the Philippines cannot face today’s challenges alone,” the President said.

“We rely on steadfast partners — like the Holy See — who share our commitment to building more just, humane, and inclusive communities,” President Marcos added.

According to a report from the United Nations Network on Migration, the Philippines has been a staunch advocate of the protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare of migrants, through the implementation of the GCM since its adoption by the UN General Assembly in December 2018.

The UN Network on Migration said that, in 2021, a new Chapter on international migration and development was added to the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022.

This new Chapter is primarily based on the GCM, developed through an inclusive, whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach, and aims to ensure the safety and protection of both Filipino migrants overseas and foreign nationals in the Philippines as they contribute to sustainable development.

This new Chapter plays a key part in the national development plan to ensure the National Implementation Plan of the GCM, the report said. 

The assurance was conveyed during a phone call between Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, according to the DFA.

The development is seen as critical for the Philippines, which relies heavily on Middle East imports for its energy needs.

“Given that the Philippines imports the majority of its energy requirements from the Middle East, these assurances from Iran will greatly facilitate the steady delivery of critical oil and fertilizer supplies to the Philippines,” the DFA said.

It added that the guarantee would help protect Filipino seafarers operating in the area and “also help ensure energy security for the country.”

DFA spokesperson Analyn Ratonel also clarified that no transit fees would be imposed, dismissing reports that Iran planned to charge at least $1 per barrel—estimated at around $2 million per vessel.

“On question regarding the reported toll fee, there is no toll fee,” she said in a text message to reporters.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to “maintaining excellent relations and achieving lasting peace through continued dialogue and diplomacy,” the DFA said.

The talks were initiated after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the DFA to engage Tehran to secure safe passage for Philippine-bound vessels.

Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have escalated following joint military operations by Israel and the United States on Feb. 28 targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, which reportedly resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has since maintained a de facto blockade of the key maritime chokepoint, triggering volatility in global energy markets and pushing oil prices higher.

The disruption prompted Manila to act swiftly. Last week, President Marcos declared a state of national energy emergency to cushion the impact of potential fuel supply shocks and stabilize the domestic energy sector.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Tess Lazaro and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin raised the request during a meeting with Iranian Ambassador Yousef Esmaeilzadeh, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro told reporters in a text message Wednesday.

The move comes as fuel prices surge and shipping routes face disruption following strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, which led to the partial closure of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Castro said Tehran signaled openness to Manila’s request: “Amb. Esmaeilzadeh noted that they have been awaiting our outreach and reaffirmed their strong willingness to assist the Philippines with our specific requests.”

Both sides agreed to streamline coordination through formal channels.

“We agreed to course all detailed requests through official diplomatic channels to expedite processing,” the Palace spokesperson said.

At the center of the talks is the Philippines’ push to secure energy supply lines and protect Filipino seafarers deployed across global shipping routes.

“Sec Lazaro requested that Iran formally designate PH as a ‘non-hostile country’ and ensure safe passage for PH-flagged vessels and oil shipments. This is vital for the protection of our seafarers and our energy supply. DOE is finalizing the necessary details for immediate transmission,” Castro said.

Lazaro is expected to elevate the discussions to the highest level.

“Sec Lazaro expects to speak with the Iranian Foreign Minister tomorrow to personally secure these commitments at the highest level,” the Palace spokesperson said.

Despite the geopolitical backdrop, Castro described the engagement as constructive: “The meeting was exceptionally warm and open. Given their stated readiness to cooperate, we are highly optimistic about a favorable outcome.”

The diplomatic push follows directives from Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who ordered officials to negotiate safe passage for Philippine-bound oil shipments amid escalating risks in the region.

Castro said the engagement with Iran was proposed during a recent meeting of the government’s Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport committee, convened by the president under a declared national energy emergency.

As the conflict shows no signs of easing, Manila is stepping up diplomatic efforts to secure fuel access and shield its maritime workforce from the ripple effects of a widening crisis in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

This marks an early follow-through to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s March 24 statement in a Bloomberg interview to reset bilateral relations.

During back-to-back meetings — the 24th Foreign Ministry Consultations (FMC) and the 11th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea held on March 27–28 in Quanzhou, both sides underscored the urgency of ensuring stable access to critical resources amid global uncertainty.

The consultations, led by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim for the Philippines and Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong for China, also set the stage for sustained diplomatic engagement, with both sides confirming a meeting between their foreign ministers within the year.

The Philippines also welcomed China’s hosting of a marine science and technology symposium in Qingdao in September 2026, focusing on ocean meteorology. Representatives from the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) are expected to participate.

With geopolitical tensions disrupting supply chains, the two countries discussed the need to safeguard energy and fertilizer access, alongside potential cooperation in renewable energy, trade, and agriculture. The reconvening of bilateral mechanisms was identified as key to advancing these efforts.

At the same time, maritime security remained a central issue.

The Philippine delegation raised concerns over incidents in the South China Sea affecting the safety of Filipino personnel and fishermen, including actions that have disrupted lawful activities and posed risks at sea.

Manila reiterated its commitment to diplomacy while firmly asserting its positions under international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.

The Philippines emphasized the importance of sustained communication and practical cooperation to manage differences, including ongoing efforts to enhance coast guard-to-coast guard communication, ocean meteorology collaboration, and initial discussions on possible oil and gas cooperation.

Beyond security and economic concerns, both sides also explored ways to revive people-to-people exchanges, including visa-free arrangements, expanded connectivity, and new direct air routes to boost tourism and bilateral engagement.

As ASEAN Chair, the Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to upholding ASEAN centrality and promoting a rules-based regional order amid evolving geopolitical tensions.

The Quanzhou meetings build on earlier rounds of dialogue held in Cebu and Beijing this year, signaling a step-by-step process of re-engagement between the two countries.

The FMC was last held in Manila in March 2023, while the previous BCM meeting took place in Xiamen in January 2025.

Both engagements align with President Marcos Jr.’s directive to pursue dialogue and diplomacy with China in line with Philippine national interest, while safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.

Taking the lead is Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner, who stressed that the Philippines “rejects coercion and unilateral attempts to alter the status quo” over the disputed West Philippine Sea which China claims as part of its territory.

“We promote transparency, counter deception, and expose malign influence,” he said. “We remain committed to peaceful dialogue and diplomatic solutions. When international law is upheld, smaller states are protected…When nations act transparently and responsibly, the Indo-Pacific becomes a region of opportunity rather than rivalry.”

This approach, Brawner stressed, was anchored firmly in the 2016 arbitral award that invalidated Beijing’s sweeping claims across the South China Sea and which is set to mark its 10th anniversary in July this year. 

Brawner made the remarks during a high-level conference organized by the Stratbase Institute and the Embassy of Japan to the Philippines to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the normalization of the diplomatic relations between Tokyo and Manila. 

Following post-World War II reconciliation and normalization of bilateral ties between the two countries in 1956, Stratbase president and CEO Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit noted how Philippine-Japan relations evolved from being an economic partnership “into one that now plays a critical role in addressing today’s security challenges.”

“This reflects a clear reality: our maritime domain is becoming more contested, and the need to uphold international law has never been more urgent,” Manhit said. “The Philippines and Japan stand as like-minded partners in advancing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. But a rules-based order is not self-sustaining. It must be defended, reinforced, and practiced.”

The AFP chief of staff said the two countries’ ties have “reached a decisive turning point of emerging as a forward-looking defense relationship.”

One such milestone in this partnership, he said, was the expected arrival of Japanese combat troops for this year’s Balikatan exercises – a first since 1945. 

“This year’s Balikatan exercise is significant just for that fact that after 81 years, for the very first time, Japanese combat troops will be on Philippine soil once again,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant Ronnie Gil Gavan said the PCG took cues from Japan’s example “to invest in partnerships, to build capacity among like-minded nations, and to stand with countries that are on the frontlines of that oppression.” 

He thanked Japan for “not look(ing) away” from what he characterized as “repeatedly and on record attempts by China to deny our personnel our ability to exercise rights that belong to us under international law.” 

In response to these threats, Gavan noted that Japan has helped through through legal and diplomatic channels, international engagements, and concrete support to our capabilities.

He said both the Philippine and Japanese Coast Guards “must continue to speak clearly in every regional and international forum that sovereignty under international law is non-negotiable, and a free and open Indo-Pacific is not impossible.” 

Former Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, meanwhile, described joint naval drills and freedom of navigation operations with like-minded nations as “actual enforcement” of the 2016 arbitral award.

He warned that China’s proposal for a “marine nature reserve” at Scarborough Shoal is a “playbook” for future naval base construction, similar to their actions at Mischief Reef. 

The former SC justice also reiterated his calls for the government to file for arbitration on the extended continental shelf, asserting that China — being more than 350 nautical miles away — could not win such a case.

At the same time, he expressed pessimism that the Philippines as ASEAN chair could advance negotiations for a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, noting that the 10-member bloc “operates by consensus, and I don’t think there will be a consensus because we have ASEAN members who are very close to China.”

“And in the code of conduct, China wants the Paracel Islands to be excluded, and China and Vietnam will never sign a code of conduct that excludes the Paracels. China wants to exclude Scarborough Shoal, and we will never sign a code of conduct that excludes Scarborough Shoal,” the former justice said. 

“So it looks like there will be no code of conduct that will be signed anytime soon,” he said.

President Marcos had a meeting with Undersecretary of War for Policy Eldridge Colby and his delegation in New York.

The meeting focused on strengthening deterrence in the Indo-Pacific and improving interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States military through joint operations such as Exercise Balikatan, which will begin next month.

Both sides also reaffirmed their mutual commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty and to continue working together for a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region.

Exercise Balikatan is the largest annual, bilateral military drill between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the US military, strengthening the alliance, enhancing interoperability, and boosting regional security.

The US Department of War is now officially the Department of Defense (DOD). Its mission is to provide military forces necessary to protect the security of the United States.

President Lee’s visit — his first since assuming office June last year — comes as the two countries mark the 77th anniversary of diplomatic relations, a partnership that was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2024 and further strengthened by a recent free trade agreement (FTA).

During a bilateral meeting and joint press conference, President Marcos highlighted the progress made in expanding cooperation between Manila and Seoul.

“We agreed that we have made significant strides in advancing and deepening our bilateral cooperation toward the attainment of our mutually beneficial goals,” President Marcos said following talks with President Lee and his delegation.

The discussions covered a wide range of issues, including defense and security cooperation, maritime collaboration, economic development initiatives, and people-to-people exchanges, reflecting the broad scope of the two nations’ growing relationship.

President Marcos noted that both governments are working to expand trade and investment while maximizing the benefits of the Philippines-ROK FTA.

He also acknowledged South Korea’s role in strengthening Philippine capabilities in several strategic sectors.

The Philippine leader cited Korea’s contributions to the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the strengthening of the Philippine Coast Guard, as well as investments that have helped revive the shipbuilding industry and strengthen the country’s semiconductor value chain.

President Marcos also thanked the ROK for supporting major development initiatives, including infrastructure projects such as the Panguil Bay Bridge in Northern Mindanao, as well as programs in health, agricultural mechanization, energy, and artificial intelligence.

He likewise recognized Seoul’s support for the rights and welfare of more than 70,000 Filipinos living and working in Korea.

Beyond bilateral cooperation, the two leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues, including developments in the South China Sea and the Korean Peninsula.

Both sides reaffirmed the importance of upholding a rules-based international order, particularly in maritime domains, amid growing geopolitical tensions.

Ten new agreements signed

The visit also produced 10 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) covering key sectors, ranging from defense and agriculture to digital cooperation and cultural exchange.

“And as we have just witnessed, we have concluded a number of agreements in the fields of defense materials procurement, veterans affairs, agriculture, trade, investment and economic cooperation, intellectual property, digital cooperation, digitalization and innovation, Korean language training in schools, cultural cooperation, and police cooperation, which will sustain the momentum of the Philippines-ROK Strategic Partnership for the future,” President Marcos said.

The agreements include cooperation on digital technology, innovation programs, defense procurement, veterans affairs, agricultural collaboration, trade and investment promotion, intellectual property protection, Korean language education in Philippine schools, cultural exchange, and police coordination.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by both leaders during their meeting in Malacañang.

State banquet celebrates longstanding friendship

The diplomatic engagements culminated in a state banquet hosted by President Marcos under the chandeliers of the Ceremonial Hall at Malacañan Palace in honor of President Lee and First Lady Kim Hea-kyung.

“It is my distinct honor to welcome His Excellency Lee Jae-myung, President of the Republic of Korea, to Malacañan Palace this evening. The productive relations which we elevated to a strategic partnership in 2024 span many areas of mutual interest,” President Marcos said in his toast.

The Philippine leader emphasized the long-standing friendship between Filipinos and Koreans, built through decades of cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, security, and cultural exchange.

“During our comprehensive meetings, President Lee and I covered a wide range of areas in our bilateral partnership, including defense and security, maritime cooperation, economic development and cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges. We have made significant strides in advancing and deepening our bilateral cooperation towards the attainment of our mutually beneficial goals,” the President added.

President Lee, accompanied by First Lady Kim Hea-kyung, earlier began his visit by laying a wreath at the monument of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal at Rizal Park.

He expressed appreciation for the warm welcome extended by the Filipino people and reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to expanding cooperation with the Philippines in areas such as innovation, infrastructure development, maritime and defense engagement, and people-to-people ties.

The visit will conclude Wednesday with the two leaders joining government and business leaders at the Philippines-Korea Business Forum in Pasay City, where officials hope to translate the strengthened diplomatic ties into expanded economic collaboration.

In a short press release issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) dated February 28, Assistant Secretary for Asian and Pacific Affairs Marshall Louis Alferez met with Chinese counterparts Asian Affairs Director-General Liu Jinsong and Boundary and Ocean Affairs Director-General Hou Yanqi in Beijing from February 27 to 28.

“Both sides had an open and candid exchange of views on prevailing bilateral concerns, and explored ways to advance mutually-beneficial cooperation,” the DFA said.

Alferez also paid a courtesy call on Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong to discuss the overall state of bilateral relations. The Beijing meetings followed initial talks held in Cebu on January 29, signaling continued diplomatic engagement despite mounting friction.

Maritime flashpoints persist

The talks come against the backdrop of fragile and tense relations entering early 2026.

Incidents around Second Thomas Shoal, Sabina Shoal, Scarborough Shoal, and Thitu Island have continued through 2024 and 2025, including ramming and water cannon episodes that injured Filipino personnel and damaged vessels.

As recently as February, reports described another collision near the Spratlys, underscoring the high-risk close encounters between Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels and Philippine boats.

Manila has repeatedly protested what it calls “dangerous” and “aggressive” maneuvers, while stepping up joint patrols and exercises with partners such as the United States, Japan, Australia, and India.

Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Philippines has taken a more assertive stance in defending maritime rights, publicizing incidents at sea and deepening defense ties with allies — moves Beijing has criticized as exacerbating tensions.

Economic pressure adds new layer

Beyond maritime friction, the relationship has also been strained economically.

In mid-February, the DFA publicly rebuked the Chinese embassy after it warned that continued “affronts” to bilateral ties could result in trade and investment consequences, including possible job losses for Filipinos. Philippine officials characterized the remarks as “coercive” and summoned the Chinese ambassador.

Beijing, for its part, has criticized what it calls “anti-China” rhetoric and resolutions by Philippine politicians, reflecting its sensitivity to domestic debates in Manila.

Despite strategic distrust and frequent tactical clashes at sea, both sides have agreed in principle to create a “roadmap” for managing South China Sea incidents and preventing escalation, according to earlier statements in January.

Chinese officials have also pointed to what they describe as “new progress” in cooperation on visas, law enforcement, people-to-people exchanges, and infrastructure. Embassy briefings have emphasized a “words for words, actions for actions” approach and called for more direct communication channels between coast guards.

The latest Beijing talks suggest that even as maritime encounters continue, diplomatic channels remain active.

Both Manila and Beijing have expressed support for accelerating negotiations between ASEAN and China on a South China Sea Code of Conduct, with an aspirational target of concluding talks around 2026.

As the Philippines assumes the ASEAN chairmanship this year, the Marcos administration faces the delicate task of balancing de-escalation efforts with China while sustaining its strategy of strengthening defense and security partnerships with like-minded states.

The Embassy of the Philippines in The Hague, in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Office of Treaties and Legal Affairs, the Foreign Service Institute, the University of the Philippines Law Center, and the Asian Society of International Law, formally launched the second edition of “Treaties: Guidance on Practices and Procedures” on Feb. 20 at the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Co-authored by Philippine Ambassador to The Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya and University of the Philippines College of Law Professor Rommel J. Casis, the book provides updated guidance on international legal standards and treaty processes — a resource seen as increasingly vital as the Philippines navigates complex diplomatic and legal terrain.

In the foreword, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro highlighted the book’s practical value, writing that “the book compiles fragmented sources and provides the procedural clarity needed by treaty practitioners to navigate the complex landscape of international relations.”

Since the publication of its first edition by the U.P. Law Center in 2018, the volume has served as a key reference on Philippine treaty law and practice for diplomats, negotiators, lawyers, and government officials. The second edition incorporates essential updates reflecting evolving international norms and state practice.

The launch comes at a time when treaty mechanisms and legal frameworks are under heightened scrutiny, particularly as Manila asserts its rights and deepens strategic partnerships amid shifting alliances in the Indo-Pacific.

Malaya currently serves as ambassador to The Netherlands. He previously held two non-consecutive terms as Assistant Secretary for Treaties and Legal Affairs (2009–2011 and 2017–2019), served as ambassador to Malaysia (2011–2017), and as Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs (2019–2021).

Casis is a tenured full-time faculty member of the University of the Philippines College of Law and director of the U.P. Law Center’s Institute for International Legal Studies.

Those wishing to attend the launch in Manila may pre-register online. Copies of the book will soon be available at the U.P. Law Center Bookroom.