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.
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CNA/wm