Build trust to resolve security challenges: Dr Ng

Tension between China and Japan over disputed islands in the East China Sea has flared to an all-time high, with both countries threatening to act against each other. Miscalculation could happen if both countries lacked the trust to work with each other to defuse tension.

This was one of the key security concerns highlighted by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen in his keynote address at the second International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Fullerton Forum: The Shangri-La Dialogue Sherpa Meeting, at the Fullerton Hotel on 13 Jan.

Dr Ng was addressing about 60 defence officials, senior military officers and academics from various countries who have gathered in Singapore for the three-day meeting which started on 12 Jan. Through open and frank discussions, they will help to set the agenda for the upcoming Shangri-La Dialogue, a key regional security summit.

To be held from 30 May to 1 Jun this year, the Shangri-La Dialogue is the only forum that brings together defence ministers, senior officials and security experts from across the Asia-Pacific region.

Besides the territorial dispute between China and Japan, Dr Ng also sketched out challenges facing other key players in the region: How will the US focus on Asia, given its shrinking defence budget and how will it accommodate the rise of China? How can India, described as a "reluctant power", play a more significant role in the region's security? As major powers compete for their influence, how can ASEAN countries avoid taking sides and keep the vital global trade lines - the South China Sea and the Straits of Malacca - free from political contest?

Against this tricky backdrop, Dr Ng spoke about the need for countries to seek common ground and build trust.

"We should put away our differences to steer the region away from conflict and towards mutual interest and common norms acceptable to all, and to shape positive outcomes and solutions to our common challenges," he said.

To this end, Dr Ng suggested three principles to build trust: redouble efforts in engagement and diplomacy; foster positive engagement through an open and inclusive security framework; and engage in practical operation to cultivate habits of working together.

In closing, Dr Ng emphasised that political will and leadership would be required from all countries in order to maintain peace in the Asia-Pacific region.

He said: "Singapore looks forward to enlightened leadership from major powers, including the US, China and Japan, to help achieve stability and progress for Asia and indeed, the world.

"While there are areas of concern, we can write a future of mutual trust; mutual interest underpinned by peace and stability in the region, as we focus on positive engagement and practical cooperation."