ASEAN extremely worried of the escalating tension in Korea - Duterte

ASEAN is extremely worried about the escalating tension in the Korean Peninsula, including North Korea, the Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said.

"ASEAN is worried over the North Korean issue. It seems two countries are playing with their toys. We have to caution everybody to show restraint," he said when asked on the latest missile test done by North Korea.

"It is putting mother earth, the planet on the edge, if one miscalculation of the missile whether or not it is a nuclear war head or a just an ordinary bomb, one explosive there that could hit somebody would cause a catastrophe."

The first victim will be Asia and ASEAN because two nations are playing with dangerous "toys".

"Hence, it behoves upon the United Stated (US) who wields the biggest stick just to really be prudent and patient," he said at the press conference at the end of the 30th ASEAN Summit here, Saturday.

Duterte also said that he was expecting a call from US President Donald Trump tonight.

"The US should be prudent and patient in dealing with North Korea whose leader relishes letting go of his missiles," he said.

Yesterday, ASEAN Foreign Ministers in a statement had expressed its grave concern over the escalation of tension in the Korean Peninsula, including the North Korea's two nuclear tests in 2016 and subsequent ballistic missile launches.

The regional grouping strongly urges North Korea to comply fully with its obligations arising from all relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions and international laws in the interest of maintaining international peace and security.

ASEAN supports the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and in this regard, calls for the resumption of dialogue on the Korean Peninsula to defuse tensions and create conditions conducive to peace and stability.

-- BERNAMA