Canada has strengthened its international diplomatic efforts as Foreign Minister Anita Anand addressed global security challenges during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila. Anand called for an immediate de-escalation and permanent ceasefire in the Middle East, stressing the importance of protecting civilians and critical infrastructure amid the ongoing conflict.

The minister also described recent confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the South China Sea as "troubling," reaffirming Canada's support for international law and freedom of navigation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Ottawa said it remains committed to a free, open, and stable Indo-Pacific region.

Alongside security discussions, Anand emphasized Canada's strategy to diversify international trade by strengthening economic partnerships across Southeast Asia. She identified a Canada–ASEAN free trade agreement as a key priority, underscoring the government's efforts to expand trade opportunities beyond traditional markets.

Foreign policy experts say Canada's active participation at the ASEAN summit reflects the country's expanding global diplomatic role as it seeks to promote regional stability, economic cooperation, and international rules-based governance during a period of heightened geopolitical uncertainty.