China’s Li Qiang to attend ASEAN summit in Manila
Beijing confirms its premier will join world leaders, including Donald Trump, at the regional meeting amid strained ties with the Philippines.
Key points
- Chinese Premier Li Qiang will attend the ASEAN summit in Manila on Sunday and Monday, according to China's foreign ministry.
- Donald Trump, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Mark Carney are among leaders due in Manila.
- China and the Philippines have clashed over competing claims in the South China Sea.
- Beijing previously accused Manila of creating obstacles to Chinese attendance at an earlier ASEAN meeting.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang is set to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Manila, according to Beijing’s foreign ministry. The ministry disclosed the plan on Wednesday, November 11, and said Li would take part on Sunday and Monday of the gathering.
Several other heads of government are also expected in the Philippine capital. US President Donald Trump, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have all been confirmed for the event. The summit and linked meetings are set to run from November 15 to November 18.
Read also: ASEAN cannot stay neutral on everything, Thai minister says
Japan and South Korea, which are the other East Asian dialogue partners of ASEAN alongside China, will also send representatives. Confirmed attendees therefore come from several regions, spanning Asia, North America and South America.
Tense relations form the backdrop
China and the Philippines have disagreed for years over overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea. Recent exchanges between the two governments have been sharp, and the summit comes after several public disputes.
In October, Beijing said Manila had placed many obstacles in the way of China’s attendance at an ASEAN meeting held in the Philippines that month. The Philippine defence chief rejected that accusation. Separately, Wang Yi, China’s top diplomat, pressed Manila to curb politicians he said had repeatedly attacked Beijing and gone beyond what China regards as its limits.
China’s stated goals for the summit
During a routine press session, Guo Jiakun, who speaks for the foreign ministry, said China expects the meeting to build cohesion and confidence among ASEAN members. He framed the gathering as an opportunity for closer ties at a time of friction.
Guo also listed areas where Beijing wants more collaboration, including energy security, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence. He additionally named regional connectivity, and poverty reduction and development. The list suggests China plans to highlight economic and technical cooperation, even though its disagreements with Manila remain unresolved.
Why the gathering draws attention
ASEAN brings together Southeast Asian states and their major outside partners, so the summit carries interest beyond the region. The presence of the United States, China, Japan and South Korea at one venue adds further weight to the meeting.
Observers will be watching whether the visit eases any friction between Beijing and Manila. So far, Li’s attendance is confirmed through the Chinese foreign ministry’s announcement. Details of any bilateral talks held on the sidelines have not been confirmed in the available reporting.
Frequently asked questions
When is the ASEAN summit in Manila?
The ASEAN summit and related meetings are scheduled for November 15 to November 18, according to the reports. Li Qiang is expected to take part on Sunday and Monday of the event.
Who is attending the ASEAN summit in Manila?
Chinese Premier Li Qiang, US President Donald Trump, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are among those confirmed. Japan and South Korea will also be represented.
Why are China and the Philippines in dispute?
The two countries have long disagreed over competing claims in the South China Sea. In October, Beijing accused Manila of creating obstacles to Chinese attendance at an earlier ASEAN meeting, a claim the Philippine defence chief rejected.
Sources
This article was written with the help of AI from reports by the outlets listed above. See our Editorial Policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
