ASEAN and China Urge Peace in Middle East Amid Energy Crisis Fears

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China have called for a lasting settlement to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, while pledging further cooperation on energy security. A joint statement was released after a meeting between the foreign ministers of China and ASEAN in Manila, against the backdrop of an ongoing energy crisis.

The World Economic Forum Asia reports that 55% of Southeast Asian crude oil imports originate from the Middle East, leaving up to 28% of the region's final energy consumption exposed to direct disruption. Kao Kim Hourn, secretary general of ASEAN, warned last month that the crisis in the Middle East had 'laid bare the vulnerability of global energy and food supply chains to geopolitical shocks'.

The joint statement welcomed ongoing US-Iran negotiations mediated by Pakistan and Qatar and called for a ceasefire and 'a peaceful and lasting resolution' to the conflict.