STRONG, RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP KEY TO REGIONAL PEACE, SAYS 2M

"The mark of a powerful country is not how it is able to use its might to get its way. The mark of a truly powerful country is how it is able to restrain itself and not have to use its might to get its way and yet convince others to come along its side."

This was a central message in 2nd Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing's keynote address at the 7th Asia Pacific Security Conference, held on 10 Feb at the Raffles City Convention Centre. Speaking to local and international experts from the military, academia and aviation industry, he highlighted the importance of strong and responsible leadership in maintaining peace in the region and defending shared interests.

"We need wise and strong leaders who appreciate that there is much more to gain through cooperation than conflict. We also need courageous leaders who do not succumb to domestic pressures or nationalistic pursuits against the greater good of the region, including seeking to right historical wrongs, and perceived wrongs, when the conditions are still premature."

The conference, held in conjunction with the Singapore Airshow and co-organised by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies and event organiser Experia, drew an audience of about 300. It saw lively dialogue and discussions on the evolving security environment in Asia. This was in the light of China's emergence as a regional military power and the volatile situation in the East and South China seas, which could see the Asia-Pacific region experiencing the consequent fallout.

Mr Chan acknowledged that growing nationalism, coupled with unequal distribution of growth in the region, could be one of the reasons for increasing assertiveness among countries to protect both strategic and perceived interests. However, he cautioned: "Such behaviour can precipitate state-to-state tensions and undermine regional stability."

Noting that military moves were subjected to as much public scrutiny as political matters, he added: "We must therefore back political efforts with practical military cooperation, to build trust and cultivate habits of working together towards common goals at the military-to-military level."

Mr Chan's recommendation was this: "I suggest we interact boldly, dialogue openly, network assiduously and train together professionally. These are the reasons why Singapore supports and hosts multilateral and bilateral forums to allow parties with different interests to come together, in a neutral and non-threatening environment to find common ground, forge consensus and generate positive ideas to build a more peaceful environment for all."