60 signatories to treaty of amity meet in Manila

THE Philippines convened the inaugural High-Level Conference of High Contracting Parties (HCPs) to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in Southeast Asia, bringing together at least 60 countries to strengthen dialogue and cooperation on regional peace, maritime security and emerging global challenges.The landmark gathering - the first high-level dialogue of its kind since the TAC was signed in 1976 - is among the Philippines' flagship deliverables as 2026 chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).Opening the one-day conference on July 24, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro welcomed four new High Contracting Parties that acceded to the treaty earlier in the day and described the TAC as 'Asean's invitation to the world to work together in maintaining peace, promoting lasting friendship, and strengthening cooperation amid intensifying geopolitical rivalries.'The TAC is not merely a repository of enduring principles but a platform for meaningful, practical and mutually beneficial cooperation,' Lazaro said.The conference featured discussions on conflict prevention and preventive diplomacy, maritime security and cooperation, and collective responses to emerging and non-traditional security threats.The sessions provided participating states a platform to exchange views on strengthening dialogue mechanisms, upholding international law, promoting maritime cooperation, and enhancing collective resilience.Adopted in 1976 by Asean's five founding members - the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand - the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation embodies the principles of peaceful dispute settlement, mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, and the renunciation of the threat or use of force.Over the decades, it has evolved into Asean's foundational diplomatic instrument for engagement with countries outside the region.Lazaro also presented the outcome documents marking the treaty's 50th anniversary, including the 'Guidelines on the Modalities for Engagement of Asean with High Contracting Parties under the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia,' which were adopted during the 59th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting on July 21, 2026.The guidelines establish mechanisms for deeper engagement between Asean and High Contracting Parties, particularly countries that do not yet have formal partnerships with the regional bloc.'While its fundamental principles have remained constant for the past 50 years, our discussions have demonstrated that their application must continue to evolve in response to the realities of our time,' Lazaro said.The Department of Foreign Affairs said the inaugural conference marks a significant step in institutionalizing engagement among all High Contracting Parties and reinforcing Asean's role as a platform for dialogue, peace and cooperation amid an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.As one of the treaty's founding signatories, the Philippines has consistently championed adherence to international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes - principles that remain at the core of its Asean chairship priorities for 2026.China, which has called the Philippines the "troublemaker of the region" over territorial disputes in the South China Sea, is among the signatories of the TAC, officially acceding to the treaty on Oct. 8, 2003, in Bali, Indonesia. Notably, China was the first external dialogue partner - a state outside Southeast Asia - to join the treaty.