STRENGTHEN ASIA'S SECURITY ARCHITECTURE: SECOND DEFENCE MINISTER CHAN CHUN SING
PHOTO // Raj Narwani
Asia faces complex security challenges such as territorial disputes, terrorism, cyber and maritime threats. To resolve these transnational problems effectively, it needs to promote closer collaborations among all countries - through a stronger regional security architecture.
This was the message in Second Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing's keynote address at the 4th Brunei International Defence Exhibition (BRIDEX) Conference on 2 Dec.
In his speech, Mr Chan noted that, while Asia's regional security architecture was still evolving, it had made progress. There are various platforms - at bilateral, regional and sub-regional levels - for countries to exchange views and resolve security issues together.
These include the East Asia Summit, BRIDEX Conference, Shangri-La Dialogue, ASEAN Regional Forum, and ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus.
Going forward, Mr Chan suggested three key principles to strengthen the regional security architecture. Firstly, the dialogue platforms have to be inclusive and open to all countries.
He said: "A system that ensures all stakeholders have a seat at the table encourages countries to engage constructively in dialogue and tackle regional security challenges together. For this reason, events like the BRIDEX Conference and Shangri-La Dialogue are important as they bring together regional and extra-regional players to discuss issues of common security interests."
Secondly, disagreement between countries should be resolved in accordance with international law because "it is the only viable and peaceful way to prevent conflict when differences of views arise", said Mr Chan.
Thirdly, mechanisms should be put in place to facilitate strategic dialogue and practical cooperation, including military-to-military cooperation. These "build trust and mutual understanding, (which are) cornerstones of our regional peace and security", he said.
As part of his three-day visit in Brunei, Mr Chan met with His Royal Highness Bruneian Crown Prince Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Jeneral Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah.
He also visited and interacted with Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) officer cadets who are undergoing jungle training in Brunei.
Impressed by the professionalism shown by the instructors and officer cadets, Mr Chan said: "I am very heartened to see a group of highly-motivated officer cadets, under the mentorship of their SAF Regular instructors, training hard in Brunei.
"I am confident that these instructors will continue to train these officer cadets well and ensure that the training objectives are achieved in a safe and effective manner."
On 3 Dec, Mr Chan attended the opening ceremony of BRIDEX where he viewed a solo aerial display by a Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) F15-SG, and interacted with RSAF personnel manning the static display of the multi-role fighter aircraft.
This year's BRIDEX marks the first time that an RSAF F15-SG is participating in a foreign defence exhibition. The RSAF's participation underscores the excellent defence ties between Singapore and Brunei.
