ASEAN, through the Philippines' chairmanship, will celebrate its 50th anniversary under the theme "Partnering for Change and Engaging the World" highlighting the need for renewed constructive engagement with dialogue partners. Issues on the South China Sea, great power rivalry, and assertion of national interests are critical issues that may either bond or disrupt ASEAN consensus in its golden year and beyond. As challenges in the region will likely remain and continue to evolve, ASEAN, must seek to preserve lasting peace, and strengthen the region's resilience.
