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Amid a 'more dangerous' world, Asia needs to learn ‘right lessons’ from Ukraine conflict to avert disaster: Ng Eng Hen

Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen giving a wrap-up interview at the Shangri-La Dialogue on June 12, 2022.
Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen giving a wrap-up interview at the Shangri-La Dialogue on June 12, 2022.
The world has become a more dangerous place since 2019, with deepening divide and receding global cooperation as countries emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, said Singapore’s Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen. 

Against this backdrop, Dr Ng said on Sunday (June 12) during the last plenary session of the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia needs to learn the “right lessons” of pre-emption and prevention from the war in Ukraine, in order to avoid any potential calamity in its own backyard.

Separately in response to questions from the media in wrapping up the three-day security summit, Dr Ng said that while conflicts cannot be solved overnight through one dialogue, such in-person meetings nonetheless add value to diplomatic relations.

DEEPENING DIVIDE, HARDENING SECURITY ALLIANCES

Dr Ng said that since the Shangri-La Dialogue last convened in 2019, divisions have deepened along many lines, including but not limited to ideology, alliances and even in terms of public health, with a stark contrast observed in Covid-19 vaccination rates in rich and poor countries.

He said this was compounded by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which had impacted the price and supply of wheat, fuel and metals.

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