MANILA — The Philippines is urging ASEAN members to keep the regional bloc united and independent as Southeast Asia faces a more complicated and evolving security environment.
Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary Ignacio Madriaga delivered the message during the virtual ASEAN Defence Senior Officials’ Meeting (ADSOM) on Aug. 26, according to the DND.
Madriaga, the current ADSOM chair, said preserving ASEAN’s solidarity and centrality should remain a priority as member states navigate growing security challenges.
He warned that the bloc’s strategic autonomy must be protected to ensure that ASEAN countries remain free from external pressures or interests that could run counter to the concerns of any member state.
The DND official also pushed for stronger collective action in addressing both conventional security threats and emerging challenges confronting the region.
“Proceed with the shared sense of purpose,” Madriaga said, calling on ASEAN members to uphold centrality, autonomy and the commitments that have strengthened the organization’s credibility.
The discussions focused on strengthening defense cooperation, reviewing initiatives under existing ASEAN defense frameworks and developing documents and measures intended to improve regional coordination.
Madriaga further stressed that ASEAN should continue engaging its external defense partners while maintaining a balanced approach.
He said cooperation with the bloc’s Plus Countries should be pursued both collectively and individually, provided that such engagements respect ASEAN principles and the legitimate interests of its member states.
The meeting also served as part of preparations for several major defense-related activities later this year, including the ADSOM-Plus, the 20th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting and the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus.
The year 2026 also carries special significance for ASEAN defense cooperation as the ADMM reaches its 20th year of dialogue and collaboration.
ia/xf
