MR ONG ATTENDS 7TH XIANGSHAN FORUM

Being open and inclusive and having a rules-based world order. These were the two principles that Senior Minister of State for Defence Ong Ye Kung underscored in his speech at the first plenary session of the Xiangshan Forum on 11 Oct in Beijing.

Speaking at the plenary titled Responding to New Security Challenges in the Asia-Pacific through Cooperation, Mr Ong highlighted that as a small city state, Singapore believed in having an open and inclusive regional architecture, as well as "a world order that respects and abides by international law and the sanctity of contracts and agreements".

He went on to note that these two principles should be observed by all countries to coexist and prosper in the era of globalisation.

"An open and inclusive attitude in the era of globalisation changes the rules of engagement for new and emerging powers. We no longer have to subscribe to the belief that relations between a rising and an incumbent power are a zero-sum game and conflict is unavoidable.

"Global conditions today are fundamentally different, because with interconnected global markets and production systems, countries are interdependent."

Building on the importance of having an open and inclusive attitude, Mr Ong noted that cooperative mechanisms, such as the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea, enhanced mutual confidence between countries and reduced the risk of miscalculations during tensions and uncertainty.

"Through such engagements, we can improve understanding, build trust, forge a common sense of purpose, and work together to defend the way of life of our children, our grandchildren and our future generations."

Speaking to media after his speech, Mr Ong noted that last year was the 25th year of diplomatic relations between Singapore and China and there was an exchange of visits by our Heads of State.

On the relations between the two countries' defence establishments, he highlighted the need to strengthen cooperating mechanisms in spite of any ongoing differences within the region, such as stepping up bilateral exercises. Mr Ong also lauded Chinese Defence Minister General Chang Wanquan's proposal earlier this year for an ASEAN-China maritime exercise.

"I think this is a very good proposal that Singapore supports. We are currently the ASEAN-China Country Coordinator and we will facilitate this process. We have written to all the ASEAN member states; we will try to convene meetings within ASEAN at the senior officials' level to try to work out some modalities, and I think these are important steps for us to take."

During his media interview, Mr Ong also addressed recent concerns over bilateral relations following comments made over the South China Sea dispute. "I think from time to time, there will be such incidents that cause some misunderstandings, but it is important to be able to put that aside and understand that actually, we have a very holistic and comprehensive collaboration and cooperation across many fields."

Mr Ong also emphasised the similarities between both countries: "I think in this era, the fundamental interest between China, between Singapore, is the same. We want a peaceful, stable region; we want an open and inclusive architecture That means all powers should have a stake in South-East Asia, in East Asia, as a region."

As part of his two-day visit programme, Mr Ong also met China's Deputy Chief of Joint Staff Admiral (ADM) Sun Jianguo whereby both parties reaffirmed the warm and friendly bilateral defence relationship, which has maintained positive momentum under the "Four Point" Consensus established in November 2014.

Mr Ong also had bilateral meetings with Bruneian Deputy Minister of Defence Yang Mulia First ADM (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Abdul Aziz bin Haji Mohammad Tamit, Malaysia's Deputy Minister of Defence Y.B. Dato Sri Mohd. Johari Bin Baharum, and Thailand's Deputy Minister of Defence GEN Udomdej Sitabutr on the sidelines of Xiangshan Forum 2016.

The forum, held from 10 to 12 Oct, was attended by 59 countries, six international organisations and approximately 400 delegates. It is jointly organised by the Chinese Academy of Military Science of the People's Liberation Army and the China International Strategic Society.