As part of his visit to China, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen spoke at the 10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, during the third plenary session titled "Asia-Pacific Security Architecture: Present and Future" this morning. Dr Ng spoke alongside Laos Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Lieutenant General (LG) Chansamone Chanyalath, Timor-Leste Minister of Defense Donaciano Do Rosario Da Costa Gomes, Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Secretary-General Kairat Sarybay and Pakistan National Defence University Chief Instructor of the Allied Officers Division Air Vice Marshal Imran Saif.

In his speech, Dr Ng highlighted the importance of an open and inclusive regional security architecture, and how open channels of communication remain vital in reducing the risk of miscalculations and mishaps. Dr Ng reiterated the need to advance trust and understanding between countries despite their differences, so as to find common ground for cooperation and mutual benefit. Dr Ng added that while differences in ideology, political and value systems would always exist, a strong US and a strong China are both needed to effectively address global challenges. He expressed confidence that China would have "the wisdom and determination to not only keep the peace in Asia, but to also lift up this and other regions as it progresses."

Dr Ng urged that the key task for all security chiefs in the immediate term was to avoid conflict in Asia, reiterating that "A physical conflict in Asia, whatever the rationale, whatever the precipitating cause, will be devastating. We must do all we can to avoid it." Dr Ng highlighted the importance of tools and processes to avoid or de-escalate conflict, citing the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus and ADMM's adoption of the Code of Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES) and Guidelines for Air Military Encounters (GAME) respectively.

On the sidelines of the 10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, Dr Ng called on Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission General (GEN) He Weidong today. During the meeting, Dr Ng and GEN He reaffirmed the warm and friendly bilateral and defence relationship between Singapore and China, and exchanged views on regional security issues of mutual interest.

Dr Ng's visit to China underscores the warm and friendly defence ties between both countries. Both armed forces and the defence establishment have regular engagements through high-level visits, military-to-military interactions, and the cross-attendance of courses and seminars. Following the conclusion of the forum, Dr Ng will also meet China Institute for International Strategic Studies Chairman and the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Deputy Chief of Joint Staff LG Jing Jianfeng and the President of the PLA National Defense University LG Xiao Tianliang.