Foreign ministers from major powers gathered with their Southeast Asian counterparts on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in Manila for the ASEAN Regional Forum, part of the bloc's annual Foreign Ministers' Meeting. The discussions focused on pressing regional security threats including maritime tensions, cyber security, the ongoing Middle East energy crisis, and the rise of online scams.

The meeting highlighted the complex geopolitical challenges facing Southeast Asia and the broader Asia region. Ministers aimed to strengthen cooperation to address these multifaceted threats amid an evolving global security landscape.

Sources