Strengthened resolve to prevent conflict from occurring in Asia, says Ng Eng Hen at Shangri-La Dialogue
Singapore's defence minister added the country does not have "outsized aspirations" on the role it plays in the interactions between the United States and China.
Singapore's Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen speaking to the media at the Shangri-La Dialogue on Jun 1, 2024. (Photo: CNA/Natasha Ganesan)
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SINGAPORE: Lessons have been learnt on the "cost of aggression" elsewhere and resolve has strengthened across the board to ensure conflict does not break out in Asia, Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said on Saturday (Jun 1).
Speaking to reporters during a sit-down interview at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's premier defence summit, Dr Ng said Asia’s geographical separation from Ukraine and the Middle East, where the situations are "unsettled", provides a "mental space" for reflection.
He added that one of the prevailing moods for ministers and officials at this year’s dialogue compared to last year was that what happened in Europe and the Middle East “should not happen in Asia”.
“That's been a recurring theme. From their point of view, we're learning important lessons vicariously and at a low cost because we are seeing that,” said Dr Ng.
“I would say that there's been strengthened resolve or preemption that conflict shouldn't occur in Asia.
"One because it would really destabilise, having a third centre of confrontation. But also (because of) the lessons learnt on the cost of aggression and the consequences of aggression."
Dr Ng also pointed out that “everything will have to be re-risked” if a physical conflict happens in the region, whether it is at the South China Sea or across the Taiwan Strait.
“All calculations will have to be redone. It will affect global trade. One-third of the global trade goes across the South China Sea,” said Dr Ng.
SINGAPORE "REALISTIC" ABOUT ROLE IN US-CHINA INTERACTIONS
Dr Ng also addressed questions on the interactions between the United States and China, following a meeting between US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun on Friday.
This was the first substantive face-to-face talks between the two countries' defence chiefs in 18 months.
Both leaders discussed Taiwan, the war between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the conflict in Gaza. A Chinese defence spokesperson had told reporters that the talks were "positive, practical and constructive".
In his speech at the forum on Saturday morning, Mr Austin stressed that the Indo-Pacific region remained a "priority" for Washington and that the US was secure "only if Asia is".
His remarks come amid increasing concern that Washington's focus on helping Ukraine counter Russia's invasion and support for Israel's war in Gaza, while trying to ensure that that conflict does not spread, has taken away attention from the Indo-Pacific.
Mr Austin also said that the US and China would resume military-to-military communications "in the coming months", as Beijing hailed the "stabilising" security relations between both countries.
Singapore's Defence Minister says there has been a strengthened resolve among him and his counterparts from around the world to prevent conflicts such as those in Ukraine and Gaza from happening in Asia. In a wide-ranging interview after hosting a ministerial roundtable at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Dr Ng Eng Hen says leaders have been able to reflect and learn the lessons from these conflicts. He also touched on other topics, including the South China Sea and US-China relations. Jeraldine Yap with more.
Responding to CNA’s question on Singapore’s role in the interactions between the US and China, Dr Ng said the country is “realistic” and does not have outsized aspirations or strategic overstretch.
“The problems that China and US face, only China and US can solve. They are major powers and how can we think that we have a major impact on the course?” said the defence minister.
But what Singapore can do is provide a place for various countries - even those with different views and perspectives - to want to come together, he added.
“Their presence here also expresses a desire to listen. Otherwise, why would you come for a meeting to hear views?”
He also said that the dialogue has become “more real” over the years, dealing with actual issues, looking for solutions and listening to different views.
“So as long as we think that there's value there, Singapore will continue to play that role,” Dr Ng added.
On Saturday afternoon, Dr Ng also hosted 24 visiting ministers and their representatives, including the US and Chinese defence chiefs, at a roundtable discussion.
Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) said in a news release that the ministers discussed a “wide range of issues”, including US-China relations, as well as the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
Given the complex security challenges around the world today, the ministers reaffirmed the importance of maintaining regional and international peace and stability, added MINDEF.
