The 49th ASEAN Summit will be held in Manila from 24 to 26 Aban. With 11 member states, a population of about 700 million, and an economy valued at more than four trillion dollars, the bloc plays an important role in global trade and security. The rivalry between China and the United States has also added to the importance of this summit.

Alireza Mahbi, a reporter for Iran International, reports.