“It’s a recurring theme. From their perspective, we learn important lessons vicariously and at little cost because we witness them.
“I would say that the resolve or prejudice that there should be no conflict in Asia has been strengthened.
“Firstly, because having a third center of confrontation would really lead to destabilization. But also [because of] conclusions drawn about the costs of aggression and the consequences of aggression.”
“All calculations will have to be repeated. This will have an impact on global trade. “One-third of world trade goes through the South China Sea.”
It was the primary substantive face-to-face conversation between the defense chiefs of each countries in 18 months.
In his summit speech Saturday morning, Austin emphasized that the Indo-Pacific region stays a “priority” for Washington and that the United States will only be secure “if Asia is like that.”
His comments come amid growing concerns that Washington’s give attention to helping Ukraine resist a Russian invasion and support Israel’s war in Gaza, while ensuring that conflict doesn’t expand, has diverted attention from the Indo-Pacific.
Austin also said the United States and China would resume military communications “in the approaching months,” after Beijing welcomed the “stabilization” of security relations between the 2 countries.
Responding to a CNA query about Singapore’s role in U.S.-China interactions, Ng said the country is “realistic” and doesn’t have excessive aspirations or excessive strategic tensions.
“The problems facing China and the US can only be solved by China and the US. They are major powers, so how can we think we have much influence on the course?”
“Their presence here also expresses a willingness to listen. Otherwise, why would you come to a meeting to hear feedback?”
He also said that over time, the dialogue has develop into “more real”, raising real problems, finding solutions and listening to different views.
“As long as we believe there is value in this, Singapore will continue to play this role,” Ng added.
On Saturday afternoon, Ng also hosted 24 visiting ministers and their representatives, including the US and Chinese defense chiefs, for a roundtable discussion.
The ministry said that given the complex security challenges world wide, ministers reaffirmed the importance of maintaining regional and international peace and stability.
