MANILA, Philippines – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a stark warning to Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers on Wednesday, cautioning that any attempt by Iran to control and levy tolls on the vital Strait of Hormuz would establish a perilous global precedent.
Speaking at the annual ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in Manila, Rubio underscored the broader implications of such actions. "If we create a precedent in the Middle East where a nation state can decide that they are going to control an international waterway, charge a toll and if you don't pay them, blow up your ships, we have created a very dangerous precedent which will repeat itself in other parts of the world, including in this region," he stated, drawing a direct parallel to potential threats in Southeast Asian waters.
Addressing Regional Concerns and Washington's Commitment
Rubio also sought to reassure the bloc about Washington's continued focus on the region, despite ongoing conflicts in West Asia. He affirmed, "We're with ASEAN 100 per cent," addressing concerns among member states regarding the renewed conflict's ripple effects on regional trade and energy supplies.
The three-day diplomatic gathering in the Philippine capital has convened top diplomats globally, with key agenda items including the South China Sea disputes and the Iran war. The territorial disputes in the South China Sea involve China, Taiwan, the Philippines, and ASEAN members Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei. The US has consistently criticized what it terms China's increasingly assertive posture in these waters, particularly towards allies like the Philippines.
Quad Meeting and India Trade Deal Progress
On the sidelines of the ASEAN meeting, Secretary Rubio engaged with the foreign ministers of the Quad — comprised of the US, Australia, India, and Japan. The Quad ministers discussed shared priorities such as technology, humanitarian assistance, emergency response, and maritime security. A joint statement reiterated their commitment to countering China's growing regional influence, emphasizing that "peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific maritime domain underpin the security and prosperity of the region." Rubio later confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that "The Quad remains a priority, and we will meet again later this year."
Rubio also held discussions with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Their talks encompassed regional matters, the Iran war, and the progress of a pending interim trade agreement designed to reduce tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump on Indian goods. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott indicated that both sides were nearing a conclusion, stating, "The Secretary and Minister Jaishankar agreed on the importance of finalising the interim trade deal, which is almost complete."
Further diplomatic engagements for Rubio included a scheduled meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, while newly appointed British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband was also expected to arrive in Manila later on Wednesday.