BANGKOK, Aug 4 — Asean has warned that the ongoing volatility caused by tensions in the Taiwan Strait could destabilise the region and lead to “miscalculation, serious confrontation, open conflicts and unpredictable consequences among major powers”.
The 10-nation bloc said it is ready to play a constructive role in facilitating peaceful dialogue between the parties involved.
In a statement, Asean foreign ministers said the bloc is concerned with the international and regional volatility, especially in the recent development in the area adjacent with the Asean region.
“Asean calls for maximum restraint, refraining from provocative action and upholding the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).
“We should act together and Asean stands ready to play a constructive role in facilitating peaceful dialogue between parties including through utilising Asean-led mechanisms to de-escalate tension, to safeguard peace, security and development in our region,” it said.
The Asean foreign ministers said the world is in dire need of wisdom and responsibility of all leaders to uphold multilateralism and partnership, cooperation, peaceful coexistence and healthy competition for the shared goals of peace, stability, security and inclusive and sustainable development.
The statement said Asean member states reiterate their support for the One China Policy.
The Asean foreign ministers are in Phnom Penh attending the 55th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (55th AMM) and Related Meetings.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi are among the 27 foreign ministers set to join the Asean Regional Forum (ARF) security meeting on Friday.
The meeting has been overshadowed by developments in Taiwan following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan on Tuesday night. Tensions between China and the United States heightened as China began military exercises encircling Taiwan on Thursday, a day after Pelosi’s visit.
The military drills will run until Sunday afternoon.
Pelosi is the highest-ranking American politician to visit the island in 25 years. China sees the self-governed island as part of its territory under the One-China policy.
— Bernama
