ADMM-Plus continues to be an important platform for regional security

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (third from right) attending the ASEAN-China Defence Ministers' Informal Meeting earlier this morning.

Singapore's Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen attended three ADMM's Informal Meetings with Plus countries today, namely with China, Japan, and the US.

At the ASEAN-China Defence Ministers' Informal Meeting, Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense General (GEN) Wei Fenghe shared his views on the regional security situation and made suggestions to enhance ASEAN-China defence cooperation. ASEAN Defence Ministers expressed their support for initiatives to enhance ASEAN-China defence cooperation and welcomed China's strong engagement of ASEAN and participation in the ADMM-Plus.

At the ASEAN-Japan Defence Ministers' Informal Meeting with Minister of Defense Taro Kono, the ASEAN Defence Ministers welcomed Minister Kono to the ADMM-Plus and expressed their appreciation for Japan's continued engagement of ASEAN through the ADMM-Plus. Minister Kono announced the Vientiane Vision 2.0, which seeks to deepen ASEAN-Japan defence cooperation through enhancing regional security by focusing cooperation on ensuring the rule of law, strengthening maritime security and dealing with non-traditional threats.

At the ASEAN-US Defence Ministers' Informal Meeting, the ASEAN Defence Ministers welcomed US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper to the ADMM-Plus and reaffirmed ASEAN's support for US' continued engagement of the region. The Ministers welcomed the successful conduct of the ASEAN-US Maritime Exercise in September and discussed ways to enhance cooperation and information-sharing to address regional security issues, such as terrorism and maritime security. Secretary Esper reaffirmed the US' support for the ADMM-Plus and commitment to enhancing peace and stability in the region.

Dr Ng (third from right) attending the ASEAN-Japan Defence Ministers' Informal Meeting earlier this afternoon.

Dr Ng (third from right) attending the ASEAN-US Defence Ministers' Informal Meeting earlier this afternoon.