Manila: Governments across the Asia-Pacific region on Tuesday moved to evacuate citizens, secure energy supplies, and monitor financial markets as an escalating war in the Middle East rattled global oil trade and sent regional stocks plunging. China, Pakistan, India, and Australia were among the countries rushing to assist nationals stranded in the region as airspace closures and security concerns disrupted travel.
According to Philippines News Agency, China evacuated over 3,000 of its citizens from Iran, while an Air India flight from the United Arab Emirates brought home 149 passengers and eight crew members, marking the first Indian carrier arrival in New Delhi since widespread disruptions to Middle Eastern airspace began. The tensions escalated after a joint US-Israeli military campaign against Iran resulted in the deaths of several senior Iranian officials, including Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Tehran launched drone and missile attacks targeting US-linked sites in Gulf countries, causing multiple fatalities, including the deaths of six US service members.
Air and maritime routes in the region, including those through the Strait of Hormuz, have since been disrupted. At least six people from Asia have been reported killed since the conflict intensified, including nationals from China, Pakistan, Nepal, India, and Bangladesh. Thousands remain stranded, with Pakistan evacuating over 650 of its citizens from Iran over the past two days.
Stock markets across the region have reacted sharply to the ongoing crisis. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 closed down 3.06 percent, and South Korea's shares plunged more than 7 percent. South Korea's National Intelligence Service has initiated a round-the-clock emergency response to assist nationals and monitor risks to supply chains, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz. Indonesia's government has also urged heightened vigilance for travelers, with many nationals stranded at airports in the Middle East.
Energy security has become a major concern for Asian economies. Pakistan has sought alternative supply routes to stabilize its fuel markets, while Taiwan is diversifying its oil and gas imports. The conflict has disrupted global energy production, with QatarEnergy halting liquefied natural gas production after Iranian drone attacks targeted its facilities. The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial channel for global oil trade, remains a focal point for potential prolonged volatility in energy prices and financial markets across Asia.
