Southeast Asia in Turbulent Times
Philippine Priorities as ASEAN Chair
Feb 11, 2026 / Vienna / Indo-Pacific / Global Affairs
On February 11, the AIES, together with the Philippine Embassy and Permanent Mission to the UN in Vienna, organised a public event on “Southeast Asia in Turbulent Times - Philippine Priorities as ASEAN Chair” at the Raiffeisen Forum in Vienna. The lecture was given by H.E. Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines and was moderated by Dr. Werner Fasslabend, AIES President and Former Austrian Minister of Defence. Assoc. Prof. Mag. Dr. Alfred Gerstl, President of Central European Institute of Asian Studies and AIES Senior Advisor, provided some reflections.
Discussions highlighted that ASEAN’s strength does not lie in military power, but in its commitment to rules-based multilateralism. The so-called “ASEAN Way”, which is grounded in consensus, diplomacy and the peaceful settlement of disputes, has enabled the region to maintain stability and foster economic growth, putting ASEAN on track to become the world’s fourth largest economy by 2030.
As incoming chair in 2026, the Philippines have structured their priorities around three central pillars: Firstly, peace with a focus on advancing the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea and reinforcing regional peace and security through sustained dialogue. Secondly, prosperity corridors emphasise economic cooperation, including the advocacy for a Digital Economy Framework Agreement and the strengthening of trade and investment linkages across the region. Thirdly, people empowerment which centres on promoting families and preparing societies for the challenge and opportunities for the emerging “Silver Economy”.
In the context of the South China Sea, the Philippines underscored its preference to diplomacy over escalation. Its foreign policy remains rooted in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It is hoped that the negotiations between ASEA and China will lead to the finalisation of the long-anticipated Code of Conduct within this year.
In terms of issues, the continued conflict in Myanmar was identified as ASEAN’s most serious internal challenge. Despite, limited compliance by the military junta, the Five-Point Consensus remains the primary framework that guides ASEAN’s response to the crisis. Participants in the event, however, stressed the importance of appointing a permanent ASEAN Special Envoy in Myanmar to ensure greater continuity and effectiveness in addressing the situation.
Finally, the event also underscored that ASEAN-EU relations are both strategically logical and necessary in an era marked by intensifying great power rivalries. Indeed, as two actors committed to adhering to a rules-based order, ASEAN and the EU are natural partners. Additionally, the year 2027 will mark the 50th anniversary of EU-ASEAN dialogue relations, demonstrating the long-lasting partnership between both regions.
Related Events
Europe and Southeast Asia
24.11.2025 / Anchors For a Stable Indo-Pacific Order
The Malaysia-Austria and ASEAN-EU Nexus
05.06.2025 / AIES Senior Advisor Alfred Gerstl as guest panellist