Marco Rubio travels to the Philippines to attend the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting to address global and regional conflicts.
Marco Rubio traveled to Manila to represent the United States at the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, where diplomats will address renewed hostilities in the Middle East. The administration announced that the secretary's visit reinforces the priority of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific to ensure security for the region and the American people. During the three-day talks, the 11-nation bloc will express alarm over the Iran war, which has threatened global shipping and energy supplies. Rubio also aims to provide assurances regarding the South China Sea, where the administration has pledged to help deter China’s aggressive actions. While in Manila, Rubio expressed a willingness to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, noting that while powerful countries often have irritants, it is essential to maintain a functional relationship. The meetings will also focus on regional issues, including the civil war in Myanmar and the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea.