MELBOURNE/SYDNEY – Australia and Asean ended a three-day summit on March 6, calling for restraint in the contested South China Sea and a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Australia hosted a summit with 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 “rules-based” order in the Indo-Pacific, as Beijing looks to increase its presence in the South China Sea.
“We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity,” the statement said.
“We encourage all countries to avoid any unilateral actions that endanger peace, security and stability in the region.”
A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that the situation in the South China Sea was generally stable, and China’s position on the disputed area was consistent and clear.
“We will properly manage differences with the countries concerned, and fully and effectively implement them with Asean countries,” the spokesperson said in response to questions about the Asean statement during a regular press briefing on March 6.
China’s response came as the Philippines on March 5 summoned China’s deputy chief of mission in Manila to protest what it called “aggressive actions” by Chinese naval forces against a resupply mission for Filipino troops stationed on a South China Sea shoal.
Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea, a conduit for more than US$3 trillion (S$4.02 trillion) worth of ship-borne commerce each year, something that is a major source of tension with the Philippines.
Both countries have been locked in a territorial dispute despite a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration which found that China’s claims had no legal basis. Beijing rejects that ruling.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said during a press conference on March 4 with Australian Prime Minister Antony Albanese that there was a growing “China-phobia” in the West.
In an interview published on March 5 in the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper, Datuk Seri Anwar claimed the risk of conflict in the South China Sea had been exaggerated.
The joint statement also reiterated concern over the “dire” humanitarian situation in Gaza, as well as calling for the release of hostages held in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
“We condemn attacks against all civilians and civilian infrastructure that lead to further deterioration of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including restricted access to food, water, and other basic needs,” the statement said.
“We urge for an immediate and durable humanitarian ceasefire.”
Asean includes Muslim majority nations, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, while Australia is a strong backer of Israel, although it has previously called for a ceasefire and been critical of the level of casualties. REUTERS
