Chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hands over a gavel to the Philippines President Bongbong Marcos, as a symbol of handing over ASEAN chairmanship from Malaysia to the Philippines, during a closing ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, October 28, 2025. (Photo: REUTERS/Hasnoor Hussain)
The Philippines will assume ASEAN’s chairmanship in 2026, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr signalling a sharper focus on the South China Sea.
Marcos said cooperation cannot exist alongside coercion, a pointed message to Beijing amid rising maritime confrontations, according to reports.
ASEAN and China have been negotiating a long-delayed code of conduct, with hopes of progress under Manila’s leadership.
Diplomats say the Philippines will push for maritime safety, fishing rights, and mechanisms to prevent escalation.
At the same time, analysts warn any pact with China may lack teeth, given Beijing’s sweeping claims.
