China and US Must Continue Stabilising Security in Asia-Pacific: Dr Ng

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen is in Germany to attend the 53rd Munich Security Conference (MSC), an annual high-level security conference that brings together foreign affairs and defence leaders from around the world. Held from 17 to 19 February 2017, this year’s conference is attended by heads of government, defence and foreign ministers, parliamentarians, military leaders and security experts. Topics discussed during the conference include ongoing security developments in the world, such as the war on terror, the future of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and emerging areas of security concern, such as cyber, climate and health.

On 19 February 2017 (Singapore time), Dr Ng spoke on the topic "Pacific No More? Security in East Asia and the Korean Peninsula", as part of a panel discussion alongside four other speakers: Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee, National People’s Congress of China Fu Ying, South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se, United States (US) Senator Dan Sullivan and Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation Lassina Zerbo. 

In his remarks, Dr Ng highlighted the importance for both the US and China to articulate their overarching foreign policy objectives towards Asia, which would provide other countries the assurance of clear, common and acceptable rules around which to evolve a new order. "That the US as a military power is able to continue its presence and influence in the Pacific is not in doubt. But this military prowess, while necessary, is insufficient for continued stability and progress in Asia. Similarly, China as a rising power has to articulate its inclusive vision for Asia and beyond", he said. He also emphasised the need for platforms such as the ADMM-Plus to play productive roles to promote a better understanding with the US, China and other countries. 

While in Munich, Dr Ng met Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Javad Zarif and Turkish Minister of National Defense Fikri Işık yesterday (Singapore time). 

More Resources

Speech By Minister For Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the 53rd Munich Security Conference Panel Discussion on "Pacific No More? Security in East Asia and the Korean Peninsula"