China's role in setting norms in 21st century crucial: Singapore Minister for Defence at 52nd Munich Security Conference

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen is in Germany from 12 to 14 February 2016 to attend the 52nd Munich Security Conference (MSC). An annual high-level security conference that brings together foreign affairs and defence leaders from around the world, this year's MSC is attended by heads of government, defence and foreign ministers, parliamentarians, military leaders and security experts.

On 13 February 2016 (Singapore time), Dr Ng spoke on the topic "China and the International Order(s): Beijing's Role in the World" as part of a panel alongside three other speakers: United States Senator Robert Corker, former Prime Minister of Australia and President of the Asia Society Kevin Rudd, and Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee, National People’s Congress of China, Fu Ying.

In his remarks, Dr Ng highlighted that China was now deeply integrated into the global system, and that this integration had made important contributions to Asia's growth in the last decade. Dr Ng also stressed that China now played a critical role in setting new rules, given its de facto leadership in international affairs due to its economic and military weight. He said, "But China too, must now articulate its vision for its desired global order… I think China needs to do that because its own stability is now dependent on the stability of the overall system."

Other topics discussed during the conference include ongoing security developments in the world, the war on terror and emerging areas of security concern, such as in climate and health.

As part of the programme, Dr Ng will also speak at the 8th Munich Young Leaders Round Table on Security Policy on 14 February 2016 (Singapore time) about the forces that shape the World Order. The Munich Young Leaders Round Table brings together young leaders from governments, think-tanks and the private sector from the United States, Europe, the Middle-East as well as selected Asia-Pacific countries to discuss issues related to foreign and security policy.

Dr Ng also held bilateral meetings with his European counterparts, including Italian Minister of Defence Roberta Pinotti, United Kingdom Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon and Swiss Head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport Guy Parmelin. He also met other leaders from Asia and the Middle East, including Mdm Fu, Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Khaled Al Jarrah Al Sabah, and Qatari Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani. Later today, Dr Ng will be meeting Japanese State Minister of Defense Kenji Wakamiya and German Minister of Defence Dr Ursula von der Leyen.

More Resources

Remarks by Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, at 52nd Munich Security Conference Panel Discussion on "China and the International Order(s): Beijing's Role in the World", at Bayerischer Hof Hotel

Speech by Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, at 8th Munich Young Leaders Round Table