The Philippine government reiterated its commitment to inclusive regional diplomacy ahead of next week’s summit, emphasizing that its leadership of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will maintain open dialogue for all member states and dialogue partners.
Malacañang stated on Tuesday that the Philippine government will not use its current chairship of ASEAN to prevent any other country from attending or expressing their stance on regional issues during the upcoming summit.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a press briefing on Tuesday that the Philippines conducts its relations with other nations strictly through diplomatic channels.
Her statement responded to allegations from China’s defense ministry claiming that the Philippines was erecting obstacles to its participation in the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), which Beijing claimed undermined the bloc’s principles of consensus, openness, and inclusivity.
Castro denied China’s claim, noting that Beijing actively participated in the defense forum and sent its defense attaché to the Philippines, Senior Captain Yang Lei.
“Hindi po gagamitin ang anumang kapangyarihan o anumang posisyon para makalamang kung kaninuman (No power or position will be used to gain an advantage over anyone),” Castro said.
Dismissing the necessity of a joint statement from the regional bloc to respond to China’s allegations, Castro expressed confidence that statements from Chinese officials would not dissuade other heads of state from participating in the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Manila scheduled for November 16 to 18.
Addressing questions regarding the potential attendance of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Castro expressed hope that the Chinese leader would join the gathering, highlighting the platform as an opportunity to resolve ongoing regional friction directly.
“Mas maganda po na dumating po talaga ang liderato ng China dahil mas magandang pagkakataon ito para mapag-usapan kung anuman iyong mga maaaring may gusot at doon magkaroon na pagkakataong maresolba (It would be better if China’s leadership were to visit, as this would provide a good opportunity to discuss any existing points of contention and potentially resolve them),” Castro also said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. previously extended an invitation to President Xi to attend the summits, which will convene heads of state from ASEAN member nations alongside key dialogue partners.
Among the regional leaders and global heads of state expected to participate in the Manila summits is United States President Donald Trump.