China and Singapore Reaffirm Warm Defence Ties on Sidelines of 15th Shangri-La Dialogue

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Eng (right) meeting with Chinese Deputy Chief of Joint Staff Admiral Sun Jianguo at the Shangri-La Hotel on the sidelines of the 15th Shangri-La Dialogue.

Singapore will host the 15th Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) from 3 to 5 Jun 2016. The SLD is organised by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha is the Keynote Speaker for the SLD this year.

Chinese Deputy Chief of Joint Staff Admiral (ADM) Sun Jianguo called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Shangri-La Hotel, on the sidelines of his visit for the 15th SLD. During their meeting, Dr Ng and ADM Sun reaffirmed the warm and friendly defence relationship between Singapore and China, which has been strengthened since the Four-Point Consensus was agreed upon during Dr Ng's visit to China in November 2014. They also had a candid and open exchange on regional security issues. Earlier today, Permanent Secretary (Defence) Chan Yeng Kit also hosted lunch for ADM Sun, where they similarly reaffirmed their commitment to the warm bilateral defence ties, and discussed how to further strengthen the relationship and deepen understanding.

Dr Ng also met with Malaysian Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein today. Both Ministers reaffirmed the close and long-standing defence relations and cooperation between Singapore and Malaysia, and their strong commitment to the Five Power Defence Arrangements.

Dr Ng also held meetings with ministers and senior officials from Japan, New Zealand, and the United States today. This year's Dialogue is attended by some 30 ministerial-level delegates, as well as senior defence officials and academics from 35 countries.

Dr Ng (right) meeting with Malaysian Minister of Defence Dato' Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein on the sidelines of the 15th Shangri-La Dialogue.

Dr Ng (right) meeting with New Zealand Minister of Defence Gerry Brownlee on the sidelines of the 15th Shangri-La Dialogue.

Dr Ng (right) meeting with the Japanese Minister of Defense Gen Nakatani on the sidelines of the 15th Shangri-La Dialogue.

Dr Ng (right) meeting with the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency John Brennan on the sidelines of the 15th Shangri-La Dialogue.

Dr Ng (left) meeting with the Chairman of the US Senate Armed Services Committee John McCain on the sidelines of the 15th Shangri-La Dialogue.