Regional Stability and Security a Pre-Condition for Economic Progress: Ng Eng Hen

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen speaking at the first plenary session of the Sixth Xiangshan Forum.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen is in Beijing, China, to attend the sixth Xiangshan Forum. He spoke at a plenary session on the topic of "Asia-Pacific Security Trends: Opportunities and Challenges" earlier this morning.

During his speech, Dr Ng highlighted that along with the shift in the global balance of power towards the Asia-Pacific, countries in the region were more interdependent than ever before, especially in the economic and security domains. Dr Ng stressed that "militaries must increasingly be open and co-operate", as "many of the security challenges we face are transnational in nature and cannot be tackled effectively by any one country, no matter how large". Noting that a stable security environment "is conducive for future progress and prosperity", Dr Ng highlighted the need for "mutual cooperation and collaboration based on a clear set of rules that are inclusive and fair" and encouraged the implementation of confidence-building measures between countries.

The Xiangshan Forum is co-organised by think-tanks China Association for Military Science and China International Institute for Strategic Studies. Other topics discussed during the forum include regional security concepts and cooperation, counter-terrorism and maritime security.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen with Laotion Minister for National Defense Lieutenant General Sengnouane Sayalath at the welcome dinner of the Sixth Xiangshan Forum.

Dr Ng (centre), accompanied by Singapore's ambassador to China Mr Stanley Loh (right), speaking to Chief of Defence Forces, Royal Thai Armed Forces, General Sommai Kaotira (left) at the opening reception of the Sixth Xiangshan Forum.

Dr Ng (right) speaking with Vice Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China Fu Ying (left) at the opening reception of the sixth Xiangshan Forum.

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More Resources

• Speech by Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, at Sixth Xiangshan Forum