US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations during the ASEAN–US Post-Ministerial Conference in Manila, Philippines. Addressing foreign ministers and regional diplomats, Rubio emphasized that the United States remains dedicated to supporting ASEAN centrality, describing the regional bloc as the primary mechanism through which Washington engages Southeast Asia.
Rubio highlighted substantial American economic engagement across the region, outlining 2.5 billion dollars in targeted strategic investments intended to boost economic development, enhance regional connectivity, and reinforce local supply chains. He noted that the United States International Development Finance Corporation recently approved 1.5 billion dollars in new funding dedicated to critical infrastructure projects, including aviation networks, energy security, and digital economy frameworks. Emphasizing that these initiatives serve mutual economic interests, Rubio stated that the growth, security, and stability of Southeast Asian nations directly align with the long-term national security priorities of the United States.
In addition to economic development, Rubio underscored Washington’s ongoing security support, committing nearly 130 million dollars in specialized assistance aimed at demining operations and unexploded ordnance clearance across affected ASEAN member states. He expressed confidence that the bilateral relationship will remain durable over the coming decades as the Indo-Pacific continues to shape global economic and political developments in the 21st century.
On the sidelines of the ASEAN ministerial gatherings, Rubio also met with his counterparts from Australia, India, and Japan to reconvene the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue. During the Quad session, foreign ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintaining a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific grounded in respect for national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international law. Rubio noted that the Quad members intend to maintain close alignment on regional security, maritime stability, and critical emerging technologies, with plans for further high-level meetings later in the year.
