NATO delegation attends Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore
From 2 to 4 June 2023, Chair of the NATO Military Committee Admiral Rob Bauer and Assistant Secretary General for Defence Policy and Planning Angus Lapsley attended the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia’s premier defence summit. During the event, Admiral Bauer and Mr. Lapsley met with high-level political and military officials from China, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Israel, Pakistan and Mongolia.
Sitting down with Lieutenant General Jing, the Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Admiral Bauer highlighted the importance of continued dialogue and military transparency. He underlined that the military-to-military dialogue is crucial to prevent misunderstandings, miscalculations and misconceptions.
During a panel session on the nuclear dimensions of regional security, Assistant Secretary General Angus Lapsley underlined the importance of stability, predictability and transparency.
During a bilateral meeting with New Zealand’s Minister of Defence, the Honourable Andrew James Little, Admiral Bauer relayed “NATO’ strong commitment to its cooperation with like-minded partners, such as New Zealand, which are essential to the Alliance’s success and to upholding the international rules based order we hold dear”. In the discussion on the global effects of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Defence minister Little outlined New Zealand’s continued support to Ukraine.
The need for long term support to Ukraine and upholding the international rules-based order was also discussed in the exchanges with Japanese Chief of Joint Staff, General Yoshihide Yoshida, and the Australian Chief of Defence, General Angus J. Campbell. Admiral Bauer stated: “We have common challenges; it only makes sense to work together on common solutions. Australia and Japan can seem a long way from Europe. But we are on the same side when it comes to the values we hold dear and must protect in a significantly changed global security environment”.