ASEAN solidarity must go beyond words

As Southeast Asia braces for a potentially strong El Niño, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. reminded that cooperation among ASEAN member-states must extend beyond diplomatic declarations. Humanitarian assistance and disaster response are not merely logistical arrangements; they demonstrate whether neighboring countries can genuinely depend on one another when crises strike.

The challenge is turning that principle into action.

A severe El Niño could disrupt food production, water supplies, electricity generation and communications across the region. For countries already struggling with poverty, inadequate infrastructure and climate-related disasters, the consequences could be devastating. 

The Philippines, particularly vulnerable to extreme weather and agricultural disruption, has every reason to strengthen regional cooperation before the crisis arrives.

Teodoro is right that disaster response reflects trust among neighbors. But trust must be supported by functioning systems: shared emergency supplies, coordinated military assistance, inter-operable communications and clear procedures for deploying personnel and equipment across borders.

ASEAN cannot afford to wait until communities are suffering before discovering that its members are unprepared to help one another.

Meanwhile, United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth proposed a new defense framework for Washington’s cooperation with Southeast Asian countries. Describing the American approach as “strong, quiet, and clear,” he emphasized deterrence without unnecessary escalation.

The proposal comes at a consequential time. China’s growing military assertiveness and maritime disputes have placed ASEAN under increasing pressure to balance economic relationships with national security concerns.

For the Philippines, American defense cooperation remains important, particularly in protecting its maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea. 

Yet, Manila must ensure that closer security ties strengthen Philippine capabilities rather than create an unhealthy dependence on Washington.

Hegseth’s emphasis on avoiding escalation is welcome, but deterrence must be credible. A defense framework that produces impressive announcements without improving readiness, intelligence-sharing and practical cooperation will accomplish little.

ASEAN also faces a difficult balancing act. Its members have different security priorities and economic relationships with China and the United States. Achieving consensus on contentious geopolitical questions remains difficult.

Humanitarian assistance offers a practical starting point for deeper cooperation. Countries can work together on disaster preparedness even when they disagree on territorial disputes.

The real measure of ASEAN solidarity is not the strength of its diplomatic language, but its ability to protect people when disaster strikes and preserve peace when geopolitical tensions rise.

For the Philippines, the coming summit should advance both objectives. Regional solidarity must become operational, while defense partnerships must deliver tangible security without sacrificing diplomatic judgment.