ASEAN defense ministers urge cease-fire in Gaza, end to conflicts in Myanmar

BEJING

Defense ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Wednesday called for an urgent cease-fire in Gaza and a resolution of the escalating crisis in Myanmar.

The defense ministers from the 10 member countries gathered at the 17th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) in Jakarta, Indonesia, called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza amid Israeli attacks and a solution to the escalating conflict between the military junta and armed groups in Myanmar's Shan State.

Indonesia's Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, hosting the meeting, expressed deep concern about the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza, emphasizing Indonesia's "clear and firm" stance. Subianto stated that attacks on civilians must cease immediately and efforts for a cease-fire and the establishment of humanitarian aid corridors should be expedited.

Malaysian Defense Minister Mohammad Hasan reiterated the call for a cease-fire, denouncing the bombing of homes and hospitals in Gaza and the killing of innocent civilians.

Singapore's Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen pointed out his country's stance against Hamas, condemning the attacks on Oct. 7.

Singapore, which has close defense cooperation with Israel, displayed a different stance compared to its Muslim neighbors.

Conflicts in Myanmar

In a joint statement, the defense ministers called for the cessation of conflicts between the military junta and armed groups in Myanmar's Shan State. The statement highlighted the need to implement the ASEAN-proposed 5-point plan to restore stability in the country. Representatives of Myanmar's military junta, barred from summit meetings, did not attend the gathering.

The defense ministers also reiterated their commitment to establishing a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea to address sovereignty disputes between China and regional countries.

*Writing by Alperen Aktas from Istanbul