Why Manila's Week of Diplomacy Still Matters for New Zealand

The timing could hardly have been more challenging. A confrontation in the South China Sea unfolded just as foreign ministers gathered in Manila for four days last week, yet the meetings went ahead much as ASEAN intended: keeping dialogue open among countries that increasingly disagree on security, trade and regional order. For New Zealand, the week was a reminder that sustained diplomacy has its rewards, producing new regional commitments while reinforcing a seat at one of Asia's most important diplomatic tables.