The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) say they will work more closely together, focusing on disaster response and resilience.
The announcement came on the sidelines of the ASEAN Strategic Policy Dialogue on Disaster Management (SPDDM) 2025. The event, held in Singapore, gave both groups the chance to underline the value of stronger regional ties.
ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn met with TCS Secretary-General Lee Hee-Sup. The TCS links China, Japan and South Korea, while ASEAN includes 10 Southeast Asian nations. Both officials said cooperation is not optional anymore — it is necessary when facing disasters and crises that move across borders.
The SPDDM has been running since 2015. It brings together governments, aid groups, and private organizations to exchange ideas on how to prepare for and respond to disasters. The talks this year again highlighted the growing urgency, as natural disasters in Asia are becoming more frequent and more intense.
Officials said sharing technology, resources and experience would strengthen the ability of both groups to protect lives and stabilize economies. They also agreed that member states could benefit from closer institutional links in many areas beyond disaster relief.
The meeting closed with a clear signal: ASEAN and the TCS want to step up cooperation. Both sides view the partnership as a way to create a more connected and more resilient Asia in the years ahead.
