Speech by Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How at the Second Plenary on “Towards a Free, Peaceful, and Prosperous Indo-Pacific” at the 13th Seoul Defense Dialogue on 11 Septmeber 2024

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning.

Introduction

First of all, I would like to thank the Republic of Korea (ROK) for this invitation to speak on the panel. I congratulate the ROK for the successful organisation of the 13^th Seoul Defense Dialogue.

The theme for this panel is one that is familiar to me – “Building a Free, Peaceful and Prosperous Indo-Pacific”. The reason why I say that it is a theme that is familiar to me, is because I also spoke on the same panel in last year’s edition of the Seoul Defense Dialogue. While the topic appears similar, the situation has evolved, and not for the better. Existing hotspots have grown hotter. New conflicts have emerged. With two major conflicts going on in the world, I think everyone gathered here today can agree that we can ill afford a third. Thus, the task of preserving peace in our part of the world is one that is ever more urgent.

Traditional and New Security Threats

Many of us would know the saying – “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”. If we use that analogy for international security, I think we would all agree that it can only be half true.

The “sticks and stones” of traditional warfare have advanced rapidly, both in technology and technique. The ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East bear testament to game-changing military innovations, such as unmanned aircraft systems, low-cost precision-guided weapons and satellite imaging. Closer to home and against the backdrop of US-China contestation, many countries have increased their spending on defence. Countries watch with bated breath each time there is an accident, an incident or a mishap in the region, including in its waters.

This is where the “words” part of that phrase really matters. Far from saying that words or communication can never hurt us or that it makes no difference – it makes a great difference. Constructive dialogue can strengthen trust and resolve misunderstandings before they lead to miscalculations. Sharing of information and know-how can build capability and enhance collective security. By the same token, misinformation and disinformation can cause alarm, and can cause division.

In this light, I would like to offer three suggestions to help us all adapt to this new security environment. First, by stepping up dialogue; second, by developing shared norms for emerging domains; and third, by engaging in inclusive practical cooperation. Allow me to elaborate.

Stepping Up Dialogue

First, on stepping up dialogue, open and regular communication is critical to sustaining relationships of mutual trust and understanding, upon which we can cooperate to achieve common goals. Many would agree that the most consequential relationship, security-wise, in the world today is that between the United States and China. The state of and the trajectory of this relationship will affect not only these two countries but all countries, and our collective ability to deal with global challenges also hinges on how this critical relationship evolves. Singapore, like many other countries, was heartened that US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan had recently visited China and had met with top Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping. Of course, prior to that, there were also various visits by top US officials to China, to meet with their counterparts. We hope that such official lines of communication will remain open, and that this positive momentum will continue.

At the multilateral level, platforms like the SDD offer the opportunity for the international community to discuss security matters of common interest to our region. It also facilitates greater dialogue by experts beyond our traditional defence establishments, such as from academia, think tanks and defence industry representatives. In so doing, it enriches everyone’s perspectives. And I encourage everyone to continue seeking and contributing to constructive dialogue. Where we can, Singapore stands ready to play our small part by hosting events that can foster such communication, such as the Shangri-la Dialogue (SLD) that we organise yearly.

Developing Shared Norms for Emerging Domains

Second, on developing shared norms for emerging domains. We must pre-empt fault lines in emerging and critical domains such as in cyber, space and artificial intelligence (AI). Singapore has taken some steps towards this end. We are glad to co-host the 2^nd Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) Summit here in Seoul over the past two days, together with the ROK, the Netherlands, Kenya, and the United Kingdom. We also hosted the REAIM Regional Consultations (Asia) in February this year. New technologies like AI can be a source of military advantage, but they also bring about a new set of challenges and risks. It is thus important to have platforms like REAIM that facilitate conversations to develop understanding and to shape norms on the responsible use of such technologies especially in the military domain.

Singapore also actively supports regional efforts to better understand emerging security threats, for example in cyber and digital domains. Singapore hosts the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Cybersecurity and Information Centre of Excellence (ACICE). ACICE has established a Malware Information Sharing Platform to facilitate the exchange of information and best practices amongst ASEAN Member States on cyber malware, disinformation and misinformation threats. In July this year, ACICE and the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) co-hosted the 2^nd Digital Defence Symposium and we brought together representatives from ASEAN and many of our extra-regional partners to discuss cybersecurity, the digital landscape, and emerging technologies. We hope that initiatives such as these will enhance our collective understanding and our capabilities to deal with the challenges in new security domains, and to work together to tap on the potential of these domains while ensuring their responsible use and to jointly manage the downside risks.

Inclusive Practical Cooperation

Third, on inclusive practical cooperation. We should double-down on inclusive practical cooperation as a confidence-building measure. In this uncertain climate, it is critical for regional groupings to keep our partners actively engaged in the region. In this regard, the ADMM-Plus remains the cornerstone of our open and inclusive regional security architecture. The ADMM-Plus has adopted the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES) in 2017 to help navies manage crises at sea. Its aerial equivalent, the Guideline for Air Military Encounters (GAME), was adopted the following year in 2018 by the ADMM. In doing so, we establish meaningful norms that minimise misunderstandings and hostilities in the region. And on this note, allow me to thank the ROK for your continued contributions to the ADMM-Plus and its Experts’ Working Groups (EWGs), as we commemorate the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-ROK Dialogue Relations this year. We also look forward to the establishment of the ASEAN-ROK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

On our part, Singapore is happy to host more than 20 international liaison officers (ILOs) from different parts of the world at our Information Fusion Centre as well as our Changi Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Coordination Centre. This is yet another example of the value that international partners bring to our region. And in the same spirit, we will continue to welcome constructive contributions from anyone who has an interest in maintaining and enhancing regional peace and stability in our region.

Conclusion

 In conclusion, as the sticks and stones of warfare become sharper, so must our words meet the challenge, and counsel cooperation rather than conflict. This is just a practical observation, that we have to go beyond building capabilities. Although that is important, we must also go beyond just mouthing words. Words are also important, and frank, open, constructive dialogue and communication is necessary in order for us to have a realistic prospect of realising the aim and theme of this panel, which is that of preserving peace, freedom and prosperity in our region, or for that matter, in this world. Thank you very much.  

Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How Attends the 13th Seoul Defense Dialogue