The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has released a joint statement on the Cross-Strait development at the 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-55) in Cambodia.

ASEAN releases statement on Cross Strait development on August 3. Photo: ASEAN

In the announcement released on August 3, the 10-member bloc shows its concern over the recent development in the area it called “adjacent to the ASEAN region.”

The statement was made following the visit paid to Taiwan (China) by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on August 3.

It stated that the development could “destabilize the region and eventually could lead to miscalculation, serious confrontation, open conflicts and unpredictable consequences among major powers.”

For that reason, ASEAN calls for maximum restraint, refraining from provocative action, and upholding the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).

On this occasion, the foreign ministers reiterated ASEAN Member States’ support for their respective One-China Principle.

In its statement, the top diplomats said 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 shared goals of peace, stability, security and inclusive and sustainable development.

They emphasized: “We should ACT TOGETHER and ASEAN stands ready to play a constructive role in facilitating peaceful dialogue between all parties including through utilizing ASEAN-led mechanisms to deescalate tension, to safeguard peace, security, and development in our region.”

Regarding the issue, Vietnam called on related parties to restrain, saying that it strongly upholds the “One-China Principle,” according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang.