Story perspectives

Southeast Asia Ministers Tackle Security Challenges in Cebu

1/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Foreign ministers from Southeast Asia met in Cebu on January 29 to discuss regional security.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro described the security environment as challenging and complex, urging a rules-based order.
The meeting aims to set ASEAN's 2026 agenda, including South China Sea tensions, Myanmar's civil war, and border disputes.
The Philippines seeks to finalize a long-delayed code of conduct for the South China Sea amid rising tensions.

1 of 1

Story summary

Foreign ministers from Southeast Asia met in Cebu on January 29 to discuss regional security.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro described the security environment as challenging and complex, urging a rules-based order.
The meeting aims to set ASEAN's 2026 agenda, including South China Sea tensions, Myanmar's civil war, and border disputes.
The Philippines seeks to finalize a long-delayed code of conduct for the South China Sea amid rising tensions.