Leaders from ASEAN member states and countries including Japan, the United States and China have called for self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would escalate disputes in the South China Sea.

The leaders issued a chairman's statement following Friday's East Asia Summit in Laos.

The statement refers to the South China Sea, where China is increasing its presence and is locked in territorial disputes with the Philippines and other countries.

The statement says, "We reaffirmed the need to enhance mutual trust and confidence, exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability and avoid actions that may further complicate the situation."

It says the leaders further reaffirmed the need to pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law.

The statement also expressed the leaders' deep concern over the escalation of conflicts and humanitarian situation in Myanmar, where the military and pro-democracy forces have been fighting each other since a 2021 coup.

It says the participants denounced the continued acts of violence against civilians and public facilities and called for immediate cessation.

It says they urged all parties involved to take concrete action to ensure the protection and safety of all civilians and create a conducive environment for inclusive national dialogue.