ASEAN foreign ministers are convening in Cebu this week as the Philippines opens its term as chair of the regional bloc, with negotiations on the South China Sea Code of Conduct set to figure prominently in the discussions. The gathering marks the first major ministerial meeting under Manila’s 2026 ASEAN chairmanship and comes amid renewed attention on unresolved maritime issues in the region.
The Department of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that the Code of Conduct will be discussed during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat scheduled for January 29 at the NuStar Hotel in Cebu City. DFA spokesperson for ASEAN matters Dominic Xavier Imperial said the meeting will allow ministers to take stock of the current state of negotiations, while cautioning that it is premature to expect concrete outcomes at this stage.
Imperial said the Philippines, as ASEAN chair, is positioned to help sustain momentum by facilitating dialogue and encouraging continued engagement among the parties involved. He noted that ASEAN member states and China remain committed to completing the Code of Conduct within the agreed 2026 timeline, consistent with ASEAN frameworks and guidelines.
The retreat is being hosted by Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and brings together foreign ministers and senior officials from ASEAN member states, along with representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat. The Cebu meeting formally launches the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship and sets the tone for its priorities for the year.
Held under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” the retreat will focus on identifying key deliverables and directions for ASEAN under Philippine leadership. Officials said discussions are expected to touch on regional and global developments affecting Southeast Asia, including maritime concerns and emerging issues relevant to the bloc.
Philippine officials have framed the Cebu meeting as part of a broader effort to reinforce ASEAN unity and centrality, while promoting dialogue and cooperation on complex regional challenges. By placing the South China Sea Code of Conduct on the agenda early in its chairmanship, Manila signaled its intent to keep the issue within ASEAN’s diplomatic track as discussions continue.
