Manila (TDI): The Philippines will host the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits from November 15 to 17, bringing together regional leaders and major global powers, including the United States and China, to discuss security, economic cooperation and shared challenges.
According to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will chair the meetings, with the agenda covering regional resilience, emerging global challenges and the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
The summit is expected to provide a platform for ASEAN members and their international partners to discuss regional stability, strengthen economic ties and coordinate responses to cross-border challenges.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang is expected to participate in ASEAN-China engagements, while US President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend the ASEAN-US Special Summit on November 17.
Trump is expected to arrive in Manila ahead of the meeting, although his precise arrival date has not been officially confirmed.
China’s participation comes amid continuing tensions in the South China Sea, where Beijing and Manila have repeatedly clashed over competing maritime claims.
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The gathering will also include leaders and representatives from Australia, India, Japan, South Korea and other ASEAN dialogue partners, reflecting the organization’s expanding engagement with major regional and global powers.
Myanmar’s participation will be limited to a senior Foreign Ministry official rather than representatives of its military leadership, amid the country’s continuing political and security crisis.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that leaders of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, comprising the United States, India, Japan and Australia, will also meet on the sidelines of the ASEAN gathering.
Rubio said the meeting would focus on delivering concrete actions and practical outcomes rather than diplomatic symbolism.
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The expected discussions are likely to add another layer of strategic engagement to the summit, particularly as regional countries navigate security concerns, maritime disputes and changing geopolitical alignments.
The Philippines will conclude its rotating ASEAN chairmanship at the end of the summit and hand over the role to Singapore. The three-day gathering is expected to underscore ASEAN’s efforts to maintain regional unity and strengthen cooperation with external partners while addressing political, economic and security challenges affecting Southeast Asia.
