The Philippines’ ASEAN chairship and Korea’s CSP vision

It was only recently that I heard the ASEAN anthem for the first time and realized how beautiful its message is, how appropriate it is for the times. Titled The ASEAN Way, it includes a line: “We dare to dream, we care to share…Together for ASEAN.” Imbued with passion and compassion, it deeply resonates, especially in this era of geopolitical uncertainty, climate challenges and rapid technological change.

At the launch of the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN chairship, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recognized these obstacles and said, “ASEAN’s strength lies in unity… together, we can chart a future that is peaceful, prosperous and people-centered.” The chairship presents the Philippines with a unique opportunity for leadership. Laying down the chair’s three central priorities of Peace and Security Anchors, Prosperity Corridors and People Empowerment, President Marcos called on the ASEAN members to navigate the future together.

These “3Ps” run parallel to Korea’s vision under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). At the 26th ASEAN-ROK Summit in Kuala Lumpur last month, President Lee Jae Myung sought to give flesh to the CSP and reminded the leaders of a familiar Korean maxim: “Neighbors are like family. Neighbors who are together in both good times and bad are like relatives who share blood ties. I believe the relationship between Korea and ASEAN is like that of close neighbors.”

One year after its establishment that coincided with the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-ROK Dialogue, the CSP seeks to both address shared adversities and shape the Indo-Pacific’s future, with Korea acting as “Contributor,” “Springboard” and “Partner.”

In the Philippines’ quest for ASEAN to become a Peace and Security Anchor in 2026, Korea could be an ideal Partner for Peace and Stability in addressing traditional and non-traditional challenges, through an increased presence in police, coast guard and overall defense and security cooperation. In line with this, Korea will launch a joint initiative with ASEANAPOL to combat online scam centers, start a maritime security academy and conduct a training program to better cope with cryptocurrency heists.

Coincidentally, the year 2026 is also the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in Southeast Asia. With its growing number of signatories from across the globe – now standing at 57 – the importance of the TAC’s principles of peaceful coexistence and friendly collaboration among states is more relevant than ever.

ASEAN has been grappling with many challenges such as tension at the South China Sea, border skirmishes between Cambodia and Thailand and lingering military rule in Myanmar. These are all daunting, but if the countries in the region will come together under the stewardship of the Philippines, ASEAN will have achieved something truly notable.

In the envisioned ASEAN Prosperity Corridors, Korea could be a Springboard for Growth and Innovation. ASEAN has already become Korea’s third largest trading group and the top destination for Korean travelers, while Korea’s $8.5 billion in development assistance has maintained the region’s modernization and all-encompassing growth.

Korea aims to increase annual trade with ASEAN to $300 billion, focusing on qualitative growth. To achieve this, it plans to begin negotiations to upgrade the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Area, facilitate seamless implementation via e-customs system integration and support the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA). Furthermore, Korea intends to explore enhanced cooperation in strategic sectors such as AI, health, smart cities, aerospace, power grids and nuclear energy.

At the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, Korea introduced its AI initiative for economic growth and capacity building, seeing AI as a key enabler of inclusive growth and a powerful catalyst for economic integration and digital transformation, with an emphasis on strengthening support for MSMEs. This will ensure that no one is left behind, that instead of a digital divide, there will be a bridge where everyone is connected.

Another commonality in both ASEAN 2026 and Korea’s CSP is the human dimension. As a Contributor for Dreams and Hope, the Korean government aims to increase two-way people-to-people flow to reach 15 million annually through larger scholarship and vocational training opportunities, as well as greater two-way cultural exchanges. This harmonizes with President Marcos’ call to uplift the lives and resolve of peoples through People Empowerment.

The Philippines’ chairship will bring this to life, with meetings and ASEAN-related activities planned across Manila, Cebu, Clark, Bohol, Boracay, Iloilo, Laoag, Lapu-Lapu and Tagaytay, embodying the narrative of a nation that, like ASEAN itself, is “diverse yet united, traditional yet forward-looking.”

In line with the call for a unified and innovative ASEAN, the official logo of ASEAN 2026 conveys this story with striking clarity by prominently featuring a balangay with a rice stalk figurehead, riding a wave, overlaid on a weave pattern and showcasing the colors of the Philippine flag. It serves as a powerful icon for the region’s shared journey and reflects the Filipino bayanihan spirit, where we can do great things – like moving a house or achieving regional peace and prosperity – if we move together in one direction.

This communal spirit aligns seamlessly with the concept of ASEAN and Korea as “close neighbors,” where Korea is committed to staying as a most reliable partner of ASEAN, transforming the CSP vision into an unwavering commitment.

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Lee Sang-hwa is the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines.