LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — ASEAN leaders are set to address tensions in the South China Sea and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as they gather for the 48th ASEAN Summit, Philippine officials said Wednesday.

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary and ASEAN spokesperson Dominic Xavier Imperial said both issues will form part of broader discussions on regional and international concerns, alongside efforts to strengthen coordination within the bloc. 

“The discussions and the negotiations of the South China Sea, rather the COC, while it is ASEAN-related, it is a separate negotiation by itself, but what I can share with you is that we are encouraged by the progress that we're seeing,” Imperial said during a joint press briefing with DTI.

He said negotiations on the Code of Conduct remain separate from the summit itself but are expected to be discussed under the agenda on regional issues.

“It will still be part of the discussions,” Imperial said, while clarifying that "no binding agreement is expected" during the summit.

On the Middle East crisis, Imperial said ASEAN is preparing a joint leaders’ statement outlining the bloc’s collective response to the conflict, which has disrupted global supply chains and driven up oil prices.

In a separate Palace briefing, Imperial said ASEAN sees no major divisions among member states despite the involvement of global powers, including the United States.

“We’re actually very confident about the declaration… We do not see any impediment,” he said.

“In fact, we are very encouraged by the commitment of all the ASEAN member states.”

Imperial said the statement aims to establish coordinated measures not only for the current conflict but also for future crises.

“The main purpose is for all the member states to come up with measures that will help us respond not only to the current situation but also to other future crises,” he said.

He added that ASEAN will continue to emphasize “ASEAN centrality,” particularly in navigating geopolitical tensions involving major powers.

“That’s very important, and a priority of the Philippines as chair,” Imperial said.

While details of the statement are still under negotiation, Imperial said it will include references to the conflict and its broader impact.

“There will definitely be a reference to that,” he said, declining to elaborate further.