Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow on 22 July 2026 participated in the ASEAN Post - Ministerial Conference with China, on the sidelines of the 59thy ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings in Manila, the Philippines.

The Deputy Prime Minister joined discussions to further advance the ASEAN - China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), which marks its fifth anniversary this year, highlighting the need to enhance practical cooperation to build regional trust and stability, particularly in addressing emerging security challenges, such as online scams, financial fraud and cybercrimes.

To support long-term sustainability and resilience, he encouraged deeper economic collaboration, including on the digital economy, the swift entry into force of the ASEAN - China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 Upgrade Protocol, and the full and effective utilisation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), alongside an accelerated green transition to strengthen energy and food security. He also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Previously on 21 July, the Deputy Prime Minister attended the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (Retreat Session) and the Extended Informal Consultation on the Implementation of the Five-Point Consensus. The meeting exchanged views on ASEAN’s efforts to respond to regional and international developments amidst an evolving geopolitical landscape based on ASEAN unity and centrality, such as the peaceful resolution of the situation in the Middle East and the importance of freedom of navigation, as well as the negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) in accordance with the agreed timeline. The Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed the importance of three strategic approaches, namely Regionalism, Resilience and Relevance.

During the Extended Informal Consultation on the Implementation of the Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar, he exchanged views on advancing ASEAN’s efforts to implement the Five-Point Consensus, building on the outcomes of the Informal Meeting of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers with the Foreign Minister of Myanmar, hosted by Thailand in Bangkok on 12 July 2026. 

Thailand advanced key issues, including ASEAN’s engagement with Myanmar under the calibrated re-engagement approach proposed by Thailand, as well as enhancing the effectiveness of the ASEAN Special Envoy mechanism.