Transcript of Doorstop Interview with Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at Marina Barrage for FPDA 50 Flypast

Question: Minister, this is the 50th anniversary of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA). What is the significance of it and its contribution to regional security?

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen:

Well, for those familiar with the history of the FPDA, it was to us and still is, the mission for external defence relations for Singapore. Obviously 50 years on, the security challenges in the region, and indeed the world has changed. But the FPDA remains relevant and I am very happy that we can mark the occasion of this golden anniversary with this Exercise Bersama Gold, as well as this flypast and naval display. It reflects the strong commitment that the five partner nations continue to give it. It also reiterates our posture of being non-threatening, not directed at any one country, but as a regional grouping that promotes inclusiveness and cooperation among the nations –I think those are very relevant messages in our time. I want to thank all the five partner nations for their contributions for allowing us to hold this successfully despite the COVID-19 pandemic. So, thank you to the five partner nations and to the militaries, and I look forward to many more years of cooperation, collaboration, and the deepening of our defence ties.

Question: Minister, the security landscape has changed quite considerably over the last 50 years. So looking forward, what scope of collaboration will FPDA member nations be looking at?

Dr Ng: The remit and mandate on FPDA remains the same - for the external defence for Malaysia and Singapore. And should our security be threatened, partner nations have agreed to be consulted, but in the interim, we do not wish for such an occasion. The year-to-year exercises builds understanding and interoperability, and the fact that despite the pandemic, we could hold an exercise with close to 3,000 troops, many ships, planes and submarines, reflect the commitment of the five nation countries to this military grouping. I think that is as strong as a physical presence, if you like of the FPDA - that commitment and continued investment in this relationship and capability.

Question: Minister, what do you see as the biggest threat to peace in the region?

Dr Ng: I think the biggest threat is not any one single country – the biggest threat is misunderstanding and miscalculations. The FPDA acts as a stabiliser for the region. It acts as a paradigm of an inclusive military grouping that works together for the peace, or regional stability of the region. I think it is a very group example of how regional groupings can continue to build those relationships. One can be impressed or rightly satisfied that this has been going on for 50 years. I think with that kind of DNA, the future is right for the FPDA.

Question: Minister, as you may know China has tested a hypersonic missile, I wonder what implications such a weapon might have on the strategic military situation in the region?

Dr Ng: I think hypersonic weapons or the potential of hypersonic weapons has already been discussed. Various militaries are looking at it, especially advanced militaries. It is iterative, I am sure that even if countries try to develop hypersonic weapons, those countries are also developing defence systems against hypersonic weapons – so this continues. You cannot stop countries looking for new military capabilities, but I think it is far safer for all of us if they do it under the umbrella of understanding, or the umbrella of continued dialogue or setting the rules. I think that will give comfort to all of us, so we continue to look at these technologies that advanced countries have. I look forward to meeting my counterparts to discussing these issues when I meet them.

Question: Minister, FPDA is a consultative arrangement, how does it remain effective and relevant, especially when member nations are increasingly having different geopolitical standpoints.

Dr Ng: I don’t think the security context in this region demands a military grouping where you can trigger it very quickly. I mean, it is a peaceful region – if there are hostilities, the more precipitous ones are really like terrorism which can come unannounced. But for traditional country-to-country threats, as you know or likely observed, there are no impending threats. So, I think the posture of the FPDA is adequate for our security challenges – it does not mean that we would not have surprises, but I think what we are doing is exactly the right thing – to continue to exercise during peace time, to build understanding so that you can be more responsible.

Question: Minister, you have seen countries in FPDA member states tend to implement their own defence arrangements – like AUKUS, for example – how does the FPDA complement this new world arrangement?

Dr Ng: Well, the FPDA relationship is not exclusive. It does not mean if you are in FPDA, you cannot form relationships with others. I think the bilateral relationships, just like Singapore has, is complementary. The more partnerships and understanding we have, I think the better for the entire picture.

Question: The region – this year, has seen a strong increase in global naval activity in this region. Do you welcome that internationalisation or maybe tensions, if you will?

Dr Ng: I think COVID-19 has made a difference. But as I said in Parliament, over the last few years, we have more ships from many countries coming into the region. From Singapore’s perspective, we welcome it. Of course, for countries that have their military presence here, they have signed on to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, our zone of freedom and neutrality, and we would wish for those countries to observe those norms. Our belief has always been that the seas are open – we practise that as a government policy for our naval bases and we facilitate visits by foreign navies – so we will continue to do that. At the same time, we will speak to various countries individually, so that we can move towards more dialogue, more cooperation as we are doing with the FPDA.

Thank you very much.

More Resources

FPDA Member-Nations Commemorate 50 Years of Friendship and Close Defence Relations