- Home
- News and events
- Latest Releases
- 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
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
19 February 2017
This article has been migrated from an earlier version of the site and may display formatting inconsistencies.
Let me just thank John Chipman and Chairman Kevin Rudd for giving us quite a comprehensive and I think a very useful context - almost a yin and yang, the nuts and bolts, (the) mechanics of the increased militarisation of Asia and (other) issues - remarkably succinctly, but poignantly phrased.
I intend to restrict my brief remarks to one central issue, which is the US-China relationship (and) which I believe that in terms of engagement with each other and with other Asian countries, would be the key consideration for the stability of the Asia Pacific region, in this regard East Asia, the Korean Peninsula and ASEAN.
I agree completely with Kevin Rudd that with a new US administration at the helm, it is particularly important at this juncture for both the US and China to articulate their overarching foreign policy objectives towards Asia.
I do not think there needs to be a reminder, everyone, but President Trump said in his inauguration speech, "From this day forward, it's going to be only America first, America first. Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs will be made to benefit American workers and American families."
Quite a different message from that of the US in 1961, (at) a different inauguration and at the start of the Cold War, (and) from President John F Kennedy who proclaimed a US that would "pay any price, bear any burden to assure the survival and the success of liberty" and particularly for ASEAN States, that "one form of colonial control shall not have passed away merely to be replaced by a far more iron tyranny".
It was this American exceptionalism, the raison d’être of US presence in the Asia Pacific region against the Communist threat, then provided the common cause with which countries could enjoin. As Dr Henry Kissinger wrote, it provided the "legitimacy" for the expansion of US influence in Asia. But beyond the Communist threat, the US led the establishment of institutions that today form the fabric of globalisation.
The question we have to ask at this juncture (is): On what basis will the continued US presence and influence be legitimised under an "America first" policy?
If US foreign policy, de facto is predominantly Anti-China, I think it will be a frustrating decade for many of us in ASEAN and in Asia. Similarly for China, if its efforts are viewed as means to usurp US as the resident Pacific power. Countries will de facto have to choose sides and be put into lose-win situations.
If the US foreign policy is predicated on a transactional basis - that is, the US provides the security umbrella in exchange for trading privileges or commercial gains and for China the reverse, security considerations can be a barter for countries that need access to Chinese markets - then I think the genesis of trading, even security blocs has begun.
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. That vision will realistically serve China’s interests but not exclusively, and must also provide other countries the assurance of clear common and acceptable rules around which countries can evolve a new order.
a.And I think some of those initiatives have started or are being developed - e.g., One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), initiatives which Singapore fully supports and will facilitate.
b.And I think in these uncertain times, Mr Chairman, existing platforms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), East Asia Summit (EAS) and the ADMM-Plus will need to play productive roles to promote a better understanding with US, China and other countries.
More Resources
China and US Must Continue Stabilising Security in Asia-Pacific: Dr Ng