The first senior-level meeting since 2024 signals a renewed effort to manage tensions in the South China Sea, but recurring maritime confrontations and unresolved sovereignty disputes continue to test the prospects for lasting progress.

Southeast Asian countries are highly affected by oil supply shortages caused by Iran war and Strait of Hormuz closure.

China and the Philippines traded accusations after a violent altercation between navy personnel in the disputed South China Sea.

Renewed tension at sea between China and the Philippines “has not changed” Beijing’s desire to solidify rules of conduct in contested waters with Southeast Asian nations, its ambassador in Manila said on Tuesday.