ASEAN Summit Concludes in Cebu With Statements on Middle East, Myanmar and South China Sea

Southeast Asian leaders wrapped up the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Cebu, Philippines, on May 8 2026 with a series of calls for de-escalation in multiple global flashpoints. The Philippines, which is chairing ASEAN for 2026, hosted the gathering from May 6 to May 8 under a scaled-down format directed by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The economic impact of the ongoing conflict between Israel, Iran and the United States topped the agenda.

The ASEAN chair’s statement released on May 9 2026 reaffirmed respect for the sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity of all nations with regard to Ukraine. It called for compliance with the UN Charter and international law. The same statement urged all parties to resolve differences through peaceful means, respect sovereignty and territorial integrity in line with international law and the UN Charter, and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in armed conflicts.

ASEAN leaders affirmed their longstanding support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the rights to self-determination and to their homeland. The bloc called on all parties to adhere to previous UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions related to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Called on the United States, Israel and Iran to de-escalate hostilities in the Middle East. “We will achieve absolutely nothing until there is peace,” Marcos said during a press conference on May 8 2026 in Cebu.

The summit itself focused on the impact of the US and Israel’s war on Iran. Marcos arranged a trilateral meeting with the prime ministers of Cambodia and Thailand months after the signing of a ceasefire deal in December 2025. The chair’s statement on the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute, released on Saturday, May 9 2026, urged the two countries to resolve their disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law and existing treaties and agreements.

Five years after ASEAN adopted the Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar, peace remains elusive. “Many of the members aired their frustration about the lack of progress in the process of normalizing the situation in Myanmar,” Marcos stated on May 8 2026. ” On economic resilience, Marcos said ASEAN leaders agree on the need for a shared oil reserve and an interconnected power grid but that details have yet to be worked out.

He identified the summit’s three priorities as ensuring regional energy security and resilience, stabilizing food security, and upholding the safety of ASEAN nationals. Marcos had directed that ASEAN events be scaled down during 2026, including the summit in Cebu.

Marcos emphasized that a legally binding ASEAN-China Code of Conduct in the South China Sea must be established before boosting economic cooperation with China.

He also stated that establishing an ASEAN Maritime Centre based in the Philippines is important due to the “unreadable” situation in the South China Sea and that he is optimistic it will be established. In a speech on May 8 2026 concluding the ASEAN Summit, Marcos thanked ASEAN leaders for their presence and partnership.

He emphasized discussions on the Middle East conflict and called for a united front among Southeast Asian nations.

“Our region remains strongest when we move forward together,” he said. The chair’s statement and Marcos’ closing remarks underscored a consistent ASEAN theme of resolving conflicts through diplomacy rather than force. Marcos held a press conference during the 48th ASEAN Summit on May 8 2026 that touched on nearly every major agenda item.

Rappler reported all of the above developments from the summit venue in Cebu.