SINGAPORE: Singapore and the
United States reaffirmed the excellent and long-standing bilateral
defence ties between the two countries when Singapore Defence
Minister Ng Eng Hen met his US counterpart Leon Panetta at the
Pentagon on Thursday.
The two countries also underscored the shared belief that a strong
US presence in the Asia Pacific enhances regional stability and
security.
In a joint statement after their meeting, both ministers said they
recognised the value of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus
and the Shangri-La Dialogue as important forums to build the
confidence and mutual understanding needed to address regional
security challenges.
Dr Ng, who is on his first official visit to Washington DC,
welcomed Mr Panetta's commitment to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue
this year.
Both sides also recognised the importance of practical cooperation
-- such as military exercises and exchanges -- among regional
militaries, which complements the role of dialogue in building
trust and confidence in the region.
During the meeting, Mr Panetta and Dr Ng discussed a wide range of
defence and security issues, including a proposal for the US to
deploy up to four littoral combat ships to Singapore.
The warships will be deployed on a rotational basis and will not be
based in Singapore.
The ministers noted that the deployment of the warships signals US
commitment to the region and enhances its ability to train and
engage with regional partners.
Both sides also noted the substantial progress made in deepening
bilateral defence cooperation since the signing of the Strategic
Framework Agreement (SFA) in 2005.
Dr Ng and Mr Panetta also agreed to increase the complexity of
existing bilateral exercises, such as Exercise Commando Sling, to
enhance interoperability and promote greater cooperation between
both armed forces.
Additionally, the US and Singapore will enhance joint urban
training opportunities through the use of Singapore facilities,
such as the Murai Urban Training Facility.
The US and Singapore will continue to explore additional joint
initiatives to further operationalise the SFA and facilitate US
engagement in the region.
Earlier in the day, Dr Ng delivered a speech to an audience of
officials and strategic thinkers at an event organised by
Washington DC-based think-tank, the Center for a New American
Security.
In his speech, Dr Ng emphasised the importance of evolving a
regional security architecture for the Asia-Pacific region that
brings together all key stakeholders in the region, and
accommodates their interests and aspirations.
Stable military-to-military relationships were needed to maintain
peace in the region.
Dr Ng said, "It is vital to evolve a regional security architecture
which accommodates all stakeholders and rising aspirations.
Relationships marked predominantly by strategic rivalry will
increase the risks of friction and conflict. We must therefore
engage in ways to increase understanding and confidence among
defence establishments."
Dr Ng also noted the importance of the US' continuing role in
maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific, but raised
concern about the potential for confrontation with China.
"As the balance of the world's strategic and economic weight shifts
towards the Pacific, it is vital to evolve a regional security
architecture, which accommodates all stakeholders and rising
aspirations," Dr Ng said.
"Relationships marked predominantly by strategic rivalry will
increase the risk of friction and conflict."
US officials also rejected the notion that the US is trying to
contain a rising China.
Jon Huntsman, former US ambassador to Singapore and China, said,
"It's rounding out our long-term regional security interests, which
first and foremost is aimed toward keeping the sea lanes open for
the free flow of trade and commerce.
"That has been a primary objective for many decades and when that
is done right, all nations in the region prosper," he added.
Dr Ng will also meet with Secretary of the Air Force Michael B
Donley and Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan W Greenert,
while he is in Washington DC
Thereafter, Dr Ng will visit the Republic of Singapore Air Force
Peace Carvin V F-15SG fighter detachment at Mountain Home Air Force
Base in Idaho.
- CNA/wm