The demonstrations coincided with the arrival of Southeast Asian leaders in the Philippines for the opening of the ASEAN summit on November 15, 2026. Activists assembled in Manila to voice strong opposition to policies originating from the United States. In addition to protesting broad American influence, participants specifically highlighted soaring regional prices for basic commodities. The crowds also voiced sharp opposition to Pax Silica, a US-led initiative centered on the artificial intelligence supply chain.
Key points
Demonstrators used the regional summit in Manila to formally challenge United States poli…: Demonstrators used the regional summit in Manila to formally challenge United States policy initiatives.
Rising costs for everyday commodities remain a central grievance fueling public demonstra…: Rising costs for everyday commodities remain a central grievance fueling public demonstrations during regional leadership summits.
Activists are explicitly targeting international artificial intelligence supply chain agr…: Activists are explicitly targeting international artificial intelligence supply chain agreements led by the United States.
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Protesters condemn US policies as ASEAN summit begins in Manila
Southeast Asian leaders arriving in the Philippines for the ASEAN summit have been met with protests over how expensive basic commodities have become. There is also anger over the US-led AI supply chain initiative called Pax Silica, as Al Jazeera’s Barnaby Lo reports.
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