Delegations at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting voiced concern over recent Chinese actions in the South China Sea and around Taiwan [1].
These warnings highlight a growing diplomatic rift as member states and international partners push for adherence to international law to prevent military escalation in one of the world's most contested waterways.
The meeting took place on July 22, 2026, in Manila, Philippines [1], [2]. Representatives from several ASEAN member states, including the Philippines and Vietnam, joined officials from Canada to call for a reduction in regional tensions [1], [2].
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said the current environment in the South China Sea is "quite grave" and troubling [2]. The concerns center on China's recent naval and coast-guard activities near disputed islands and increased pressure exerted around Taiwan [1], [3].
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the Philippines is deepening cooperation on maritime security and defense to ensure peace and stability in the region [3]. These efforts aim to counter the volatility caused by territorial disputes.
China has maintained a defiant stance regarding its maritime claims. Premier Li Qiang said China will continue to safeguard its sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea [3]. While some reports characterize China's actions as a threat to regional stability, Chinese officials have downplayed the severity of these maritime skirmishes [1], [3].
The call for de-escalation comes as ASEAN members attempt to balance economic ties with China against the need for a secure maritime environment. The delegations urged all parties to respect international law to avoid accidental conflict, a necessity as naval presence increases in the disputed zones [1], [2].
“The situation in the South China Sea is "quite grave" and troubling.”
The friction between ASEAN members and China reflects a broader struggle to maintain a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. By aligning with non-regional powers like Canada, ASEAN states are attempting to internationalize the South China Sea dispute to create diplomatic leverage against China's maritime assertions.
