As leaders from Southeast Asian nations gathered in Manila for the annual ASEAN summit, a wave of protesters took to the streets to voice their discontent with U.S. foreign policy. The demonstrations, which began early in the morning, were organized by a coalition of local civil society groups and religious organizations.
Participants chanted slogans calling for a reassessment of U.S. involvement in the region, citing concerns over military aid, trade agreements, and human rights issues. The protestors, many of whom were wearing banners that read “Peace, Not Power” and “Respect Sovereignty,” converged on key government buildings and the Philippine International Convention Center, where the summit was being held.
While the protests were largely peaceful, authorities reported a few incidents of clashes between demonstrators and security personnel. Police moved in to clear the area around the convention center, and several protest leaders were detained for questioning. No serious injuries were reported, and the event was described by officials as “a reminder of the need for open dialogue.”
The ASEAN summit, which brings together leaders from ten member states, is focused on regional cooperation in areas such as economic integration, climate change, and security. However, the protests highlighted a growing frustration among some citizens who feel that U.S. policies are undermining regional autonomy.
Religious leaders present at the protest emphasized the moral imperative of advocating for peace and justice. One pastor, speaking to the press, said, “We cannot stand by while external powers dictate our future.” He added that the Christian community would continue to pray for a resolution that respects the dignity of all nations.
In response to the demonstrations, the Philippine government released a statement affirming its commitment to maintaining public order while respecting the right to peaceful assembly. The statement also reiterated the country’s support for the ASEAN summit’s agenda of fostering unity and cooperation among member states.
Source: Al Jazeera
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