49th ASEAN Summit in Manila to Address Regional Security and Economic Integration

The 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit is scheduled to take place in Manila, Philippines, beginning Sunday, November 16, 2026. The summit, which is being chaired by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., aims to address critical regional security issues and economic integration. The Philippines currently holds the rotating chairmanship of the regional bloc.

Summit Agenda and Diplomatic Meetings

The summit agenda includes discussions on several high-profile geopolitical issues, including the South China Sea disputes, civil strife in Myanmar, and the ongoing wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. According to an ASEAN prepared statement, the bloc has reaffirmed its commitment to international law, the UN Charter, and the peaceful resolution of disputes and freedom of navigation.

High-level diplomatic meetings are scheduled throughout the three-day event. Chinese Premier Li Qiang is scheduled to meet with ASEAN leaders on Monday, November 17, 2026. U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to arrive in Manila on Tuesday afternoon, November 18, 2026, accompanied by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. President Donald Trump is scheduled to participate in a special ASEAN-US summit on November 17, 2026, and a Quadrilateral Security Dialogue meeting on the night of November 18, 2026.

Regional Economic and Leadership Transitions

The summit follows pre-summit talks held on Saturday, November 15, 2026, which were hosted by Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro. During these sessions, ministers from the 11 ASEAN member states signed the Digital Economy Framework Agreement. At least 19 world leaders and heads of international institutions are expected to participate in the proceedings, and more than 100 outcome documents are expected to be adopted or issued, according to reports from Saudi Gazette.

Several regional leaders have been reported to be arriving for the event, including Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith of Laos, and Prime Minister Le Minh Hung of Vietnam. Other expected participants include Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao of Timor-Leste, and Deputy Prime Minister Hang Chuon Naron of Cambodia.

The summit will conclude on Tuesday, November 18, 2026, with a closing ceremony. During this ceremony, the Philippines will hand over the ASEAN rotating chairmanship to Singapore.

Glossary

• Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) — ASEAN is a regional bloc consisting of ten member countries. It works to address regional security issues and economic integration.
• Quadrilateral Security Dialogue — The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue is an initiative involving major powers. It is part of the broader relations and power balance struggles in the region.