ASEAN Wraps Up in the Philippines

Southeast Asian leaders concluded the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, the Philippines, last Friday. with a bloc of eleven nations united in alarm over the economic ripple effects of the conflict in the Middle East — and with New Zealand watching closely from the sidelines.

Hosted by the Philippines under its 2026 chairmanship theme "Navigating Our Future, Together," the summit focused heavily on the impact of the US and Israel's war on Iran, with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. zeroing in on three priorities: ensuring regional energy security and resilience, stabilising food security, and upholding the safety of ASEAN nationals. RAPPLER

Leaders adopted a joint statement strengthening regional coordination on energy security, maritime safety, food supply, and crisis response as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz raised concerns about global oil flows. Priority measures included activating a regional fuel-sharing mechanism and accelerating a regional power grid to improve electricity connectivity across Southeast Asia.

Leaders welcomed a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, mediated by Pakistan with support from other parties, and called for continued negotiations toward a lasting resolution. Marcos, in a candid closing press conference, left little doubt about where ASEAN stands: "We will achieve absolutely nothing until there is peace."

On food security, leaders agreed to maintain open markets, strengthen intra-ASEAN trade, and reinforce regional food reserve systems as rising fuel costs continue to affect shipping and fertiliser prices.

First couples of Singapore (L) , and The Philippines./ Image ASEAN

The summit also addressed the long-running impasse in Myanmar. Marcos said many members voiced frustration about the lack of progress in normalising the situation, five years after ASEAN adopted its Five-Point Consensus to resolve the crisis. Myanmar remains excluded from the leaders' table.

In the South China Sea, the Philippines pushed for a legally binding ASEAN-China Code of Conduct, with Marcos saying it must be established before the bloc looks into boosting economic cooperation with China. He also proposed an ASEAN Maritime Centre to be based in the Philippines.

For New Zealand, the stakes are significant. Two-way trade between ASEAN and New Zealand stood at USD 12.7 billion in 2024, and Southeast Asia is New Zealand's fourth-largest trading partner. Any prolonged disruption to Middle East shipping lanes puts pressure on fuel and freight costs that flow directly to New Zealand consumers and exporters. New Zealand and ASEAN are also now implementing a new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Plan of Action covering 2026–2030, deepening ties across trade, climate, and security cooperation.

With global supply chains under stress and regional flashpoints multiplying, what happens in Southeast Asia doesn't stay in Southeast Asia — and Cebu was a reminder of just how interconnected New Zealand's future is with that of its northern neighbours.

Banner Image : Cebu City in the southern Philippines, the oldest city in the country.

Asia Media Centre