MORE COOPERATION NEEDED IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

The message from defence leaders attending the 16th Shangri-La Dialogue, held from 2 to 4 Jun, was clear: Countries need to sustain the rules-based world order that has brought peace and prosperity to the region, and work together in the fight against terrorism.

In his plenary speech on 4 Jun, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen called terrorism the biggest security concern in Southeast Asia and the world, adding that over the past two years, multiple attacks had occurred in the region. He noted that in the last week, an attack had occurred in Jakarta, and that Mindanao was still under martial law.

Fight terrorism

To combat the scourge of terror, Dr Ng said the key lay in good intelligence: "Singapore has stepped up our information-sharing and intelligence cooperation with other countries."

He also welcomed the joint patrols planned by Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines for the Sulu Sea -- a hotbed for piracy. He noted that Singapore would contribute to counter-terrorism initiatives globally to help prevent attacks on local soil.

Dr Ng added: "We stand ready to assist in the Sulu Sea patrols and other counter-terror initiatives when asked by others (to do so)."

Boost regional security

To provide the stability in which trade can flourish, states must find ways to collaborate and, in the process, deepen mutual trust and understanding, said Dr Ng.

He added that existing regional groupings such as ASEAN, which Singapore will chair next year, would prove useful in facing challenges together. Singapore will also chair the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus.

Dr Ng outlined three initiatives that Singapore would push for as ADMM chair to strengthen defence ties and reduce tensions in the region in 2018. They are: conducting an ASEAN-China maritime exercise to promote collaboration and deepen cooperation; expanding the Code of Unplanned Encounters at Sea to all ADMM-Plus countries; and establishing a set of guidelines for air encounters between military aircraft for ASEAN nations.

In addition, Singapore and Vietnam jointly proposed to hold the ADMM-Plus meeting annually, instead of every other year. "(This is so) that we can address the growing security challenges affecting our region more effectively and in a more timely manner," said Dr Ng.

This year's Shangri-La Dialogue was attended by 22 ministerial-level delegates and 12 Chiefs of Defence Force, as well as senior defence officials and academics from 39 countries.

2 JUN 8pm

"A region with this dynamism can solve its own problems so long as we are clear about the principles that guide us: a region where might is not right...a region which supports and advances open markets, free from coercion. In doing so, our region can do more to address global challenges."
- Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull who gave the opening address at the Dialogue

2 JUN 6.17pm

Dr Ng meeting the Vice-President of the People's Liberation Army Academy of Military Sciences, Lieutenant-General He Lei. The two men reaffirmed the warm and friendly defence relationship between Singapore and China.

3 JUN 7.55am

Dr Ng with United States (US) Secretary of Defence James Mattis before a breakfast meeting. They reaffirmed the strong and longstanding defence relations between Singapore and the US, and discussed a range of regional security developments.

3 JUN 10.58am

Dr Ng meeting Malaysian Minister of Defence Dato' Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein. They discussed the importance of regional cooperation in counter-terrorism and maritime security efforts. The meeting underscored the warm and long-standing ties between the two nations.

3 JUN 1.12pm

Dr Ng (third from left) hosting a roundtable discussion that included 22 visiting ministers and representatives from countries such as France, Indonesia, Malaysia and the US.

3 JUN 2.44pm

"ASEAN recognises that both the US and rising powers like China and India are influential players, and we are trying to find a 'golden mean' where both large powers and small powers and countries have their interests taken care of."
- Dr Ng speaking to international media after the roundtable discussion. During the interview, he stressed the importance of dialogues and regional institutions, such as ASEAN, in resolving conflicts.

3 JUN 3.35pm

Dr Ng and Indonesian Defence Minister Genera l (Rtd) Ryamizard Ryacudu. During their meeting, the two men discussed regional security issues, such as terrorism in Southeast Asia and tensions in the Korean Peninsula.

4 JUN 8.34am

Dr Ng meeting Malaysian Minister of Defence Dato' Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein. They discussed the importance of regional cooperation in counter-terrorism and maritime security efforts. The meeting underscored the warm and long-standing ties between the two nations.

4 JUN 8:45pm

"This trend (of tech-driven globalisation) is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it opens up lots of opportunities. On the other hand, globalisation also causes anxiety. And I think a place like Southeast Asia, a place like Singapore, can benefit a great deal, provided we manage the downsides right; and provided we are able to work together to leverage the upsides."
- 2nd Minster for Defence Ong Ye Kung speaking to the Southeast Asian young leaders whom he hosted to breakfast. He noted that it was important for Southeast Asian nations to band together and leverage the tech-driven economy for the benefit of the region.

4 JUN 12.09pm

"As Asia rises, our shared interests grow and we must step up collective efforts to maintain peace and stability in this region. May we all contribute, work towards and live in peaceful times and prosper."
- Dr Ng speaking at the fifth plenary session where he called for greater cooperation in a time of geopolitical uncertainty

4 JUN 2.24pm

Dr Ng speaking to the media at the conclusion of the Dialogue. He said that Singapore welcomed the continued US presence in the region, and added that Singapore also believed that other rising powers, like China and India, could also play a beneficial role.