U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, for an annual diplomatic meeting in Manila, where leaders posed for a traditional group photograph before high-level talks.
During the meeting, Rubio warned that any attempt by Iran to control the Strait of Hormuz or impose tolls on international shipping would threaten the global economy and undermine the long-standing principle of freedom of navigation.
Rubio said the strategic waterway must remain open to international commerce, stressing that disruptions would have serious consequences not only for the Middle East but also for economies across Asia and the wider world.
Also attending the gathering were Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, highlighting the broad international focus on the worsening security situation.
ASEAN foreign ministers expressed concern over the renewed conflict in the Middle East, warning that continued instability could disrupt trade, energy supplies, and economic growth throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
The annual meeting provided an opportunity for regional and global powers to discuss shared security challenges, economic cooperation, and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
As diplomatic efforts continue, officials say maintaining stability along critical maritime trade routes remains a priority for countries whose economies depend heavily on uninterrupted international shipping.
The talks come amid growing international concern that continued conflict in the Gulf could have far-reaching consequences well beyond the Middle East.
