ADMM working on measures to de-escalate South China Sea issues

Actions
https://www.mindef.gov.sg/web/wcm/connect/pioneer/b3bc5a70-2c62-4fe8-9812-ad9fe5f01b6a/18feb18_news-01.JPG.jpeg?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE.Z18_1QK41482LG0G10Q8NM8IUA1051-b3bc5a70-2c62-4fe8-9812-ad9fe5f01b6a-mdyR.Kl /web/wcm/connect/pioneer/b3bc5a70-2c62-4fe8-9812-ad9fe5f01b6a/18feb18_news-01.JPG.jpeg?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE.Z18_1QK41482LG0G10Q8NM8IUA1051-b3bc5a70-2c62-4fe8-9812-ad9fe5f01b6a-mdyR.Kl /web/portal/pioneer/article/regular-article-detail/diplomacy/2018-dm/18Feb2018_02096
/web/portal/pioneer/article/regular-article-detail/diplomacy/2018-dm/18Feb2018_02096
18Feb2018_02096
18 Feb 2018 | DIPLOMACY
Melayu 华文

ADMM working on measures to de-escalate South China Sea issues

// STORY MAJ Geraldine Ang
// PHOTOS MAJ Geraldine Ang

English Melayu

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen cited these examples of how the ADMM has "worked hard to produce consensus on practical measures that prevent mishaps and miscalculations (and) de-escalate issues" in the South China Sea.

He was speaking on the topic "Bridging Troubled Waters - The South China Sea Dispute" at the 54th Munich Security Conference (MSC), an annual high-level conference attended by heads of government, ministers, military leaders and security experts, on 17 Feb.

Noting that ASEAN member states have taken a pragmatic approach to the South China Sea issues, he said that both ASEAN and China have "affirmed the hope" to complete a Code of Conduct to handle disputes in the regional hotspot.

Dr Ng also highlighted that Singapore, as ASEAN Chair this year, would work with the other ASEAN countries to develop a set of guidelines for air encounters between regional military aircraft.

"We seek to enhance practical cooperation and build confidence through the conduct of multilateral exercises, including the ASEAN-China Maritime Exercise this year," he added.

This year's MSC was held from 16 to 18 Feb in Munich, Germany. Topics included the defence cooperation in the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, security around the borders of the Sahel region of Africa, and other areas such as nuclear security and Jihadism.

On the sidelines of the conference, Dr Ng addressed the 10th Munich Young Leaders Round Table on "Peace and Security in the Asia Pacific" on 18 Feb.

Citing examples such as Brexit, he noted the recent backlash against globalisation 1.0, which was mainly put in place by the US and other western countries after World War II.

While globalisation remains important, "there has to be a globalisation 2.0, with slightly different set of rules, adjustments and balance in positional powers," said Dr Ng.

He also stressed that while China is now the leading trade partner for ASEAN and Asia, the "accommodation of China and US is crucial". Speaking to the 20 young leaders from 15 countries, he asked them about their views on prospects for progress and democracy in the Middle East, and the hopes and aspirations of the people there.

During his visit to Munich, Dr Ng met German Minister of Defence Dr Ursula von der Leyen and a US congressional delegation. He also reaffirmed the excellent ties between Singapore and the US during a conference call with US Secretary of Defence, James Mattis.

Suggested Reading
Keep serving, keep contributing Feature
Keep serving, keep contributing
MILESTONES
30-Jun-23

More than 350 NSmen and their employers gathered at rededication ceremonies across Singapore on 30 Jun to reaffirm their commitment to national defence.

SAF must continue investing steadily to build its capabilities & people: Dr Ng Feature
SAF must continue investing steadily to build its capabilities & people: Dr Ng
OPS & TRAINING
24-Feb-23

In his speech on the defence budget at the Committee of Supply debates on 24 Feb, Dr Ng Eng Hen outlined what the SAF has achieved, and its strategy for 2040 and beyond.

MINDEF to acquire eight more F-35B fighter aircraft Feature
MINDEF to acquire eight more F-35B fighter aircraft
OPS & TRAINING
24-Feb-23

The decision comes after a robust evaluation of these jets following the purchase of the first four aircraft.

Beating the heat for soldiers in training
Beating the heat for soldiers in training
TECHNOLOGY
11-Jan-23

Soldiers in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) face the unique challenge of training and operating in Singapore's sweltering heat.

SAFRA celebrates 50 years of bringing NSmen together
SAFRA celebrates 50 years of bringing NSmen together
MILESTONES
02-Dec-22

If you served in the SAF, confirmed plus chop you've been to a SAFRA Club.

Servicemen Reaffirm Commitment to Defence on SAF Day Feature
Servicemen Reaffirm Commitment to Defence on SAF Day
MILESTONES
01-Jul-22

The SAF celebrates its birthday and commemorates NS55 with combined rededication ceremonies in the morning and the resumption of a full-scale parade in the evening.

SLD remains valuable platform for crucial discussions: Dr Ng
SLD remains valuable platform for crucial discussions: Dr Ng
DIPLOMACY
12-Jun-22

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen spoke on the US-China relationship, the importance of a rules-based order and the role of ASEAN as a regional security platform at the 19th Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD).

What you need to know about NS Hub Feature
What you need to know about NS Hub
COMMUNITY
25-Nov-19

By 2023, national servicemen will be able to access all their National Service (NS)- and training-related activities in a one-stop centre.

Defence tech insights Feature
Defence tech insights
TECHNOLOGY
01-Aug-19

Innovation leaders from around the world gather for the second Singapore Defence Technology Summit.

ASEAN defence ministers commit to sustainable security cooperation
ASEAN defence ministers commit to sustainable security cooperation
DIPLOMACY
11-Jul-19

Defence ministers from the 10 ASEAN countries signed the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Joint Declaration on Sustainable Security on 11 Jul during the 13th ADMM in Bangkok, Thailand.