Manila, 24 July (H.S.): Amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, China and the foreign ministers of the 11-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have called for an immediate end to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. They urged all parties to exercise restraint, pursue dialogue and fully adhere to the ceasefire agreement.

According to Türkiye’s state-run Anadolu Agency, a joint statement issued after the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, said that the rapidly deteriorating situation in the Middle East poses a serious threat to the safety of civilians as well as regional and global peace, economic activities, trade, investment, energy security and food security.

The statement came at a time when the United States and Iran have continued exchanging retaliatory military strikes for the 13th consecutive day. Last month, both sides had signed the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” on April 8 with the aim of maintaining the ceasefire and initiating talks to permanently end the conflict.

The joint statement emphasised that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. The foreign ministers called on all parties to uphold their commitment to multilateralism and continue diplomatic engagement to achieve a peaceful resolution.

Highlighting the importance of maintaining regional peace and stability, China and ASEAN urged the United States and Iran to “strictly abide by the terms of the ceasefire and ensure its complete and effective implementation.”

The statement also appealed to all parties involved in the conflict to exercise maximum restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and maintain uninterrupted access for humanitarian assistance. It further called on all nations to respect sovereignty and territorial integrity while avoiding any actions that could further escalate tensions.

Amid growing concerns over rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, China and ASEAN also stressed the need to ensure safe, uninterrupted and continuous navigation through international waterways in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar