Philippines replaces foreign affairs secretary during ASEAN summit

The Philippines' Secretary of Foreign Affairs is being replaced, a move that could reshape the nation's foreign policy and its approach to the ASEAN summit. This cabinet shakeup follows a recent loss in midterm elections. The outgoing Secretary will become the country's permanent representative to the United Nations. The incoming Secretary, currently an undersecretary, is already involved in ASEAN discussions, including those on regional tensions and the South China Sea. The shakeup comes as the Philippines participates in the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, where discussions include regional issues and the ongoing US-China competition. The change may signal continuity in the Philippines' foreign policy.