Conflict in the Middle East threatens global economic growth, ASEAN economic ministers urgently discuss energy security.

According to Nikkei Asian Review reported on the 13th, as the escalating conflict in the Middle East threatens global economic growth and people's well-being, ASEAN economic ministers held a meeting that day to seek ways to deepen regional resilience and economic integration. The Philippine Business Mirror reported that the agenda of this emergency meeting will focus on the energy crisis impacting ASEAN economies, as well as coordinating measures to assist citizens of various member countries facing difficulties within ASEAN. As the rotating chair of ASEAN, the Philippine Minister of Trade and Industry, Lopez, stated at the opening ceremony that US military actions against Iran have led to a sharp rise in fuel, energy, and many commodity prices, recent geopolitical developments "remind us of how closely interconnected we are." According to Bloomberg, ASEAN economic ministers released a joint statement after the meeting on the 13th, stating that freight, insurance, and logistics costs are rising, which will exacerbate inflationary pressures on energy, food, and other essential items, affecting the economic security and stability of the region, the livelihoods of millions of people, and hindering ASEAN's economic progress. They stated that they will strengthen supply chains, ensure smooth trade, and ensure that the region can withstand the impact of the Middle East conflict on food, fuel, and essential supplies. With the US-Iran conflict entering its second week, global energy and financial markets continue to be volatile. Southeast Asian countries mostly rely on oil imports and are facing risks of supply shortages, inflationary pressures, and currency fluctuations.