Global Courant 2023-05-01 19:20:39
CANBERRA – Singapore and Australia reaffirmed their “ambitious” partnership during ministerial talks on Monday, agreeing to work together to promote regional stability as both countries prepare for “an era of heightened geostrategic uncertainty”.
Following meetings in Canberra between the two countries’ respective foreign, defense and trade ministers, both nations shared concerns about the threats to trade routes and maritime order as tensions rise in the region.
A joint communiqué issued on the occasion of the meeting said the six ministers expressed “serious concerns about behavior that increased the risk of miscalculation and unilateral action, which had the potential to destabilize and challenge the status quo, such as the continued militarization of disputed features”.
“Ministers agreed that all countries, regardless of size, have a responsibility to contribute to global stability and to resolve disputes peacefully,” the statement said.
Australia last week pledged to increase its defense spending and develop greater long-term military capabilities, citing concerns over China’s growing military spending and assertiveness in the South China Sea.
It also plans to become the first nuclear-weapon-free country to procure nuclear-powered submarines as part of the Aukus security pact it has with the United States and the United Kingdom.
Responding to Aukus, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said on Monday that Singapore will support the pact “as long as it constructively contributes to regional security”.
“As long as Aukus contributes constructively to regional peace and stability, that is a good thing,” Dr. Balakrishnan told reporters.
“We feel comfortable with all three partners within Aukus, as we have had long-standing relationships with each of them, and so I believe we have the ability to work together.”
Monday’s talks were the 13th meeting of the biennial Singapore-Australia Joint Ministerial Committee. Both sides indicated that the relationship was governed by a high degree of trust – a finding which seemed to be confirmed by the apparent sociability among the ministers.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Singapore’s Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen said: “We believe Australia can play a greater role in our region as Australia has a vested interest in Asia… We believe Australia is contributing to the regional security in ASEAN and beyond.”
He said Singapore would welcome and facilitate visits from the Australian military, including its future fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.
“We believe we would welcome Australian ships and aircraft to our bases, and eventually, when your submarines are ready, we would welcome them to call at our ports,” he said.
Dr. Ng said the Australian and Singapore militaries would also look to increase their joint training, as well as explore further opportunities for Singaporean troops to train in Australia.
“Every year, thousands of Singaporean young men doing their national service experience your beautiful bushlands and your weather, and they go back with very fond memories,” he said.
