Politics & Policy

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn in Manila on July 21, 2026, to discuss the fifth anniversary of the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. During the meeting, Wang Yi emphasized China's role as a stabilizing anchor in East Asia and highlighted the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation This Organization, inviting ASEAN nations to participate in enhancing AI capacity building for Global South countries. The dialogue also addressed security concerns in the South China Sea, where Wang Yi accused Philippine military and police elements of deliberate provocations undermining regional stability. Both sides agreed to accelerate consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, with ASEAN reaffirming support for the dual-track approach ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea next year. In parallel diplomatic engagements, Kao Kim Hourn met with representatives from the Eurasian Economic Commission to discuss economic cooperation programs for 2026-2030. Wang Yi also held separate meetings with foreign ministers from Canada, Australia, and Malaysia, signaling broader multilateral engagement during the summit period in Manila