Australia and Southeast Asian nations urged for calm in the disputed South China Sea and a long-lasting truce in the Gaza Strip as they concluded a three-day summit today.
Australia hosted a summit with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Melbourne to mark the 50th anniversary of its ties to the bloc, even as differences remained across the 10 members on China’s plans to extend diplomatic and military presence in the region.
A joint statement by Australia and ASEAN called for a “rules-based” order in the Indo-Pacific, as Beijing looks to increase its presence in the South China Sea.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that the situation in South China Sea was generally stable and China’s position on the disputed area was consistent and clear.
The joint statement also reiterated concern over the “dire” humanitarian situation due to Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza, as well as calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas, a Palestinian resistance movement.
“We condemn at
tacks against all civilians and civilian infrastructure, leading to further deterioration of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza including restricted access to food, water, and other basic needs,” the statement said.
It added, “We urge for an immediate and durable humanitarian ceasefire.”
Source: Oman News Agency