Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - ASEAN foreign ministers urge restraint as Taiwan tension boils

ASEAN foreign ministers urge restraint as Taiwan tension boils

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
ASEAN foreign ministers cross arms and hold hands for a photo at the opening ceremony of the 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Phnom Penh on August 3. Hong Menea

ASEAN foreign ministers urge restraint as Taiwan tension boils

Amid rising tension spurred by the August 2 visit of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan, much to China’s dismay and consternation, ASEAN foreign ministers are calling on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint, refrain from provocative action and uphold the principles enshrined in the UN Charter as well as the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).

In a press statement released late on August 3, the top ASEAN diplomats, who are gathering in Phnom Penh for the 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings, reiterated that the bloc’s member states support the One-China policy.

“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 our shared goals of peace, stability, security and inclusive and sustainable development,” the statement said.

Without naming Taiwan directly, the foreign minister said “the recent development in the area adjacent to the ASEAN region could lead to miscalculation, serious confrontation, open conflicts and unpredictable consequences among major powers”.

“We should act together and ASEAN stands ready to play a constructive role in facilitating peaceful dialogue between all parties including through utilising ASEAN-led mechanisms to de-escalate tension [and] to safeguard peace, security and development in our region,” it added.

Speaking at a morning press briefing on the 55th AMM on August 4, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation secretary of state Kung Phoak said ASEAN foreign ministers hope de-escalation will happen and tensions will be gone as soon as possible over the Taiwan Strait.

MOST VIEWED

  • 12th Cambodia int’l film festival to see return of Hollywood star

    Phnom Penh is set to come alive with the magic of cinema as the highly anticipated 12th Cambodia International Film Festival (CIFF) takes centre stage. Boasting an impressive line-up of 188 films from 23 countries, including captivating shorts, feature films, documentaries and animation, the festival promises an

  • Bareknuckle champion wants Kun Khmer fighter

    Dave Leduc, who is the current openweight Lethwei boxing champion in Myanmar, has announced that he will travel to Cambodia this year to challenge SEA Games gold medallist Prum Samnang any time that is convenient, after their planned match later this month in Slovakia was

  • Struggling Battambang artist dreams of staging full-scale gallery exhibition

    Leav Kimchhoth, a 55-year-old artist from Battambang province, is a familiar face to locals and tourists alike on the streets of the riverside in Phnom Penh. The one-armed painter and illustrator often hawks his work near the night market on weekends and public holidays. He

  • Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills

    A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,

  • New Law on Taxation comes into effect

    Cambodia has enacted the eagerly-awaited new Law on Taxation, which aims to improve the national tax regime’s compliance with present and future international standards and economic conditions; encourage accountability, effectiveness and transparency in the collection process; and promote investment in the Kingdom. King Norodom

  • Five-year-old Hanuman dances his way into hearts of Cambodia

    A young talent from a new-established settlement has emerged, captivating the online world with his mesmerising performances of the traditional Cambodian monkey dance. Roeun Kakada is a five-year-old prodigy who has taken the social media sphere by storm with his exceptional dance skills and dedication