Impact of Middle East Tensions on Geopolitics in Southeast Asia

Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) how the escalation of tension in the Middle East will impact geopolitics in the Southeast Asia region; and (b) how is the Ministry preparing for it.

Southeast Asia has been affected by the escalation of armed conflicts in the Middle East since the Hamas’ terrorist attack on 7 October 2023, Israel’s subsequent military response in Gaza and the consequential dire humanitarian situation. There is also a heightened risk of a wider regional conflagration with global economic impact.

In October 2023, the Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers issued a Statement on the Recent Escalation of Armed Conflict in the Middle East. They urged the “immediate end of violence to avoid further human casualties”. Further, they called for “the full respect of International Humanitarian Law” and for “safe, rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian corridors”. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers strongly condemned the “acts of violence which have led to the deaths and injury of civilians, including ASEAN nationals”. They called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

In December 2023, all ASEAN Member States voted in favour of the United Nations General Assembly 10th Emergency Special Session resolution which called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. Several ASEAN Member States, including Singapore, are also conveying urgently needed humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

Naturally, ASEAN Member States have different national perspectives. But on the core issues – the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages, the need for humanitarian assistance to flow, and support for a two-state solution – ASEAN Member States share common views. With mutual understanding and respect, as well as a spirit of compromise, ASEAN has usually been able to find consensus on difficult issues.

On Singapore’s part, we remain committed to ensuring that developments in the Middle East do not affect the close partnerships we share with fellow ASEAN Member States.