Singapore's defence minister on Friday (Feb 17) warned that war in Asia would be devastating not just for the continent, but for the rest of the world. Speaking at the Maritime Security Roundtable at the 59th Munich Security Conference, Dr Ng highlighted that world powers have been increasing the
in the Philippines, as well as missile defence drills in South Korea as examples of what China would construe as"preparatory moves".
Similarly, Beijing has also increased its military presence in the region, said Dr Ng - from patrols in the disputed South China Sea to Chinese jets regularly crossing the median line in the Taiwan Strait.'New normal' of China's military push across Taiwan Strait could spin out of control: AnalystsSo while both sides are not seeking physical conflict, Dr Ng said Taiwan would a strong determining factor.
He pointed out two narratives: One, putting Taiwan as a"bellwether of contest between autocracies and democracies" and the other being a battle for strategic resources, akin to the way countries previously fought over spices and oil. In today's context, such resources would be theDr Ng said China would act or be forced to act in the event of any move towards Taiwanese independence.
Small events could also be a trigger for conflict, said Dr Ng, giving the example of how World War I broke out. He also cited more recent incidents like Chinese and US military planes coming within metres of each other over the South China Sea, and the Chinese surveillance balloon operating over US territory.Summing up, Dr Ng warned of the disastrous consequence of war in Asia and that there are"viable alternatives" out there.
"We are not in a comfortable place," Dr Ng said. "The temperature is not boiling, but certainly rising. We must do all we can to cool it.
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