4-6-2023 (SINGAPORE) Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen has stated that Singapore and other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) states are not “disinterested bystanders” in the ongoing tensions between the United States and China. Speaking to reporters on the third and final day of the Shangri-La Dialogue, Dr Ng emphasized that Singapore and ASEAN have “a vested interest” in ensuring that communication lines between the two superpowers remain open and effective.
While the US and China do not want physical conflict, Dr Ng noted that they recognize they are a long way from an acceptable state of affairs. He reiterated his comments made to the media on Saturday after a ministerial lunch, emphasizing that lines of communication are especially vital between potential adversaries.
Dr Ng used a Formula 1 analogy to explain the current situation, describing it as “like Formula 1 drivers on the same circuit, driving blindfolded. You better be careful – and bystanders, too.”
The Defence Minister further described US-China relations as being the “elephant in the room” at this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue, which is Asia’s top defence summit and is in its 20th edition this year.
The conference has been taking place amid ongoing tensions between the US and China, with several high-ranking officials from both countries in attendance.
