Middle East crisis, South China Sea tensions dominate ASEAN top diplomats meetings

ASEAN top diplomats expressed 'serious concern' over renewed US-Iran hostilities, calling for immediate cessation of attacks across all fronts in the Middle East.

The bloc warned the Middle East crisis threatens global energy supplies, trade, and food security.

ASEAN called for 'complete and immediate cessation of hostilities across all fronts in the Middle East' and urged parties to exercise utmost self-restraint.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned freedom of navigation in the South China Sea is 'by no means guaranteed', reiterating that the 2016 arbitral ruling invalidating China's claims is 'final and binding'.