ASEAN leaders urge South China Sea restraint, concerned over North Korea tests

Indonesian President Joko Widodo speaks at a press conference during the 42nd ASEAN Summit held in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia, May 11, 2023.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders on May 11 urged restraint and peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea and said a surge in missile tests by North Korea was a threat to regional peace.

A post-summit statement issued by chair Indonesia said the leaders welcomed efforts to conclude work on a maritime code of conduct with China and said some leaders were concerned about recent incidents in the South China Sea.