In consequence to the escalation of the Israeli-Iranian conflict, Asian states expressed a broad spectrum of consequence – from cautious concern to open condemnation of Israel and the US. The attack on Iran's atomic facilities caused concerns about the destabilisation of the mediate East, the threat to energy safety and the hazard of global economical crisis.
Position of China: Call for immediate ceasefire
China, as a permanent associate of the UN safety Council, powerfully criticized the American attacks on Iran, calling them "a serious violation of global law". Ambassador Fu Cong accused the US of deteriorating the situation in the region and threatening the global atomic non-proliferation system. Together with Russia and Pakistan, China proposed a UN resolution calling for a "immediate and unconditional" ceasefire.
Beijing besides stressed the request to defend Iran's sovereignty, which is consistent with its wider anti-interventionist policy. At the same time, China, as the largest importer of oil from the mediate East, fears the possible closure of the Strait of Ormuz, which would endanger their energy security.
Responses from ASEAN States: Unanimous calls for deescalation
Philippines – despite their close relation with the US – they expressed "deep concern" and called for a "diplomatic solution to the conflict".
Vietnam He called for the cessation of attacks "including atomic objects" and the resolution of the dispute through global law.
Thailand warned against the “catastrophic effects” of escalation for the region and civilians.
Malaysia, under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, she openly condemned Israel, calling for “stopping provocative action”. Anwar besides pointed to economical risks associated with the possible crisis in the Strait of Ormuz.
Indonesia She focused on the evacuation of citizens, but besides called for a "back to the negotiating table".
India: Careful diplomacy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an interview with Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian called for "deescalation and dialogue". India, which maintains good relations with both Iran and the US, avoid unequivocally condemning either party, focusing on protecting its economical interests (including oil imports).
Pakistan: Alliance with China v. USA
Islamabad, who late nominated Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, this time sided with China and Russia, supporting the UN resolution on ceasefire. Pakistan has been in a tense relation with the US for years, and its rapprochement with Iran and China is part of a broader geopolitical strategy.
Japan and South Korea: Caution and safety concerns
Japan She called the Israeli-Iranian strike exchange "extremely disturbing", but separated the American attacks from Israel's actions, recognising them as part of "the pursuit of peace."
South KoreaAlthough she has not officially commented on the conflict, she fears possible analogues to North Korea. Experts inform that Israel's success in weakening Iran's atomic program can encourage the US to be more aggressive towards Pyongyang.
North Korea: The condemnation of the United States and the informing against “Western imperialism”
North Korean MFA spokesperson accused the U.S. of " trampling on Iran's sovereignty" and pointed out that the conflict was the consequence of "Western support for Israeli aggression". government Kim Jong Una will most likely usage the situation to strengthen his alliance with Russia and China, while learning from Iran's mistakes (e.g. the frailty of anti-aircraft defense).
Asia to a fresh wave of instability
The reactions of Asian countries show that:
Most countries in the region are in favour of diplomacy, fearing the economical effects of war (increase in oil prices, disruption of trade).
China and Russia usage conflict to weaken US influence in the UN and the region.
Closing the Ormuz Strait would be a disaster for Asiawhich imports immense amounts of oil from there.
Escalation can affect atomic safety in Asia, especially in the context of North Korea.
In the coming days, the position of Iran will be crucial – whether it decides to fight an open war with the US and Israel or whether it will accept the proposal of talks supported by China and ASEAN countries.
Source:
- Nikkei Asia – “China pushes cage-fire at UN as Asia echoes call to end Iran war” (main article on which the analysis was based)
- Xinhua News Agency – China's authoritative position presented by Ambassador Fu Cong to the UN.
- Korea Central News Agency (KCNA) – North Korean MFA message condemning the US attack on Iran.
- Government statements of the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and India.
- Expert statements – including Prof. Leif-Eric Easley from Ewha Womens University in Seoul.
Leszek B. Glass
Email: [email protected]
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