Dr Ng: An Open and Inclusive Regional Architecture is Key to Maintaining Regional Peace and Progress

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen attended the opening ceremony of the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum this morning and spoke at the first plenary session titled "Security Cooperation and Asia-Pacific Prosperity and Stability".

In his speech, Dr Ng highlighted China's contributions to global peace and stability, including its efforts in mediating conflict and economic support for emerging economies. Dr Ng emphasised that as China develops as a world leader, inclusivity and universality would be crucial to maintain peace, progress and support from most countries. He said, "More countries will find it easy to support a vision that espouses common rules that bind and benefit all countries, whether big or small… The reassurance from China regarding adherence to international law, that its growth will continue to lift all boats, will build support for that inclusive vision."

Dr Ng also called for continued dialogue and sustained channels of communication, particularly to moderate escalating tensions in the South China Sea, and to put US-China relations on a better trajectory. Dr Ng emphasised that it is crucial for China to work together with other countries to build a stable world order for today's generation. Dr Ng said, "The over-riding goal of all China's initiatives must be stability and sustainability of the global eco-system… Just as China has shown resolve and commitment to help deal with security issues in other places, it also plays a key role in our own backyard… We hope that dialogue would continue sustained channels of communication such as hotlines are also necessary, especially in moments of crisis."

Dr Ng's visit to China underscores the longstanding, warm and friendly bilateral defence relations between both countries. Both defence establishments have regular high-level engagements, military-to-military interactions, academic exchanges and cross-attendance of courses.