FILE PHOTO: A bird flies near the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) secretariat building, ahead of the ASEAN leaders’ meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, April 23, 2021. (REUTERS / Willy Kurniawan)
MANILA, Philippines — The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is calling for “maximum restraint” amid the escalation of tension between China and Taiwan following the controversial visit of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the self-ruled island.
Asean upheld its recognition of the One-China Policy, wherein the superpower nation holds claim to Taiwan as part of its territory.
READ: US’ one-China policy has not changed with Taiwan visit – Pelosi, White House
“ASEAN calls for maximum restraint, refrain from provocative action, and upholding the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). We reiterate ASEAN Member States’ support for their respective One-China Policy,” it said in a statement posted Thursday.
The 10-member bloc raised alarm with the international and regional volatility “which could destabilize the region and eventually could lead to miscalculation, serious confrontation, open conflicts and unpredictable consequences among major powers.”
Asean likewise offered to facilitate a “peaceful” dialogue if needed “to deescalate tension, to safeguard peace, security, and development in our region.”
The regional organization’s remark came after China issued stern warning against the visit of United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan.
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