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Transcript/Script((PLAYBOOK SLUG: Russia Invasion Asia React TV
HEADLINE: Many Asian Countries Condemn Russia’s War In Ukraine
TEASER: Moscow’s war has forced some countries off the sidelines
PUBLISHED AT: Friday, 03/04/22 at 4:01 am
BYLINE: William Gallo
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
VIDEOGRAPHER:
PRODUCER:
SCRIPT EDITORS: wpm, Steve Hirsch
VIDEO SOURCES:
PLATFORMS: WEB __ TV _X_ RADIO __
TRT: 2:03
VID APPROVED BY:
TYPE: TVPKG
UPDATE: ))
((INTRO)) [[Countries across Asia are condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Some key Asian countries are even joining international sanctions against Moscow. As VOA’s Bill Gallo reports, it is not just U.S. allies that are concerned.]]
((NARRATOR))
At the United Nations, a global condemnation of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Even many Asian countries that typically take a more neutral diplomatic stance voted to condemn Russia.
Some, including Singapore, went further, imposing their own sanctions on Moscow.
((Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore Foreign Minister, in English, male voice)))
((Credit YouTube of Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs))
“Unless we as a country stand up for principles that are the very foundation for the independence and sovereignty of smaller nations, our own right to exist and prosper as a nation may similarly be called into question one day.”
((NARRATOR))
Although a “strategic partner” of the United States, Singapore usually avoids choosing sides among bigger countries. The last time it had imposed unilateral sanctions on another country was 44 years ago.
((Lim Tai Wei, Adjunct Sr. Research Fellow, East Asian Institute, In English, male voice)) ((Mandatory Skype credit))
“In terms of consistency, it wants to make its principles clear. And one of the principles is that it holds the idea of sovereignty very seriously. It does not want to see the world descend into the law of the jungle, where might means right.”
((NARRATOR))
The situation is tricky for many Southeast Asian countries, which have strong military and diplomatic ties with Russia.
But at this week’s U.N. vote, Vietnam and Laos were the only members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations that did not condemn Russia. Instead, they voted to abstain.
((Lim Tai Wei, Adjunct Sr. Research Fellow, East Asian Institute, In English, male voice))
((Mandatory Skype credit))
“In some ways it is not surprising. Many ASEAN countries value sovereignty as well because they live in the shadows of great powers within the region.”
((NARRATOR))
The loudest critics of Russia have been U.S. allies, such as South Korea and Japan, which have both seen anti-war protests. Both countries had pursued better relations with Moscow. Those efforts now seem in jeopardy.
((Bill Gallo. VOA News. Seoul, South Korea.))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateMarch 4, 2022 04:12 EST
BylineWilliam Gallo
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
