Addressing the dialogue, Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said the increasing tension and competition among major regional powers will pose a huge challenge for other countries in the region and the world over. In that context, the countries should join hands in building an open global economy and consolidate cooperation in the multilateral framework, and ASEAN countries should together consolidate bilateral and multilateral commitments so as to create a foundation for the construction of a strong security structure, he said.

The official also stressed the importance of the negotiations of the COC between ASEAN and China, affirming that a practical and effective COC will help strengthen self-trust and promote stability of the region.

Vietnamese Minister of Defence Ngo Xuan Lich addresses the 3rd plenary session of the Shangri-La Dialogue 2019

Minister of Defence Ngo Xuan Lich affirmed Vietnam’s viewpoint and stance of solving disputes and preventing hostilities in the atmosphere of peace with the spirit of partnership and for the community responsibility. He stressed that peace, cooperation and development remain a major trend and the common interests of the countries. To this end, the sides must look for fields of mutually beneficial cooperation, build trust and solve conflicts and disputes, Mr. Lich said, admitting that this will be a long and complicated journey which requires high political determination and joint actions from every country.