Southeast Asia Boosts Maritime Ties to Avoid Hormuz-Like Crisis

Southeast Asian nations agreed to boost cooperation and create a center for maritime issues, which the Philippines said could help avert a situation in the South China Sea similar to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations will set up “a central repository for maritime issues and maritime policy” that will guide the 11-member bloc, according to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who hosted this week’s summit. Manila has offered to host the center.