Singapore, US discuss importance of free, open Indo-Pacific
Singaporean Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen and his US counterpart Mark Esper discussed various regional security issues, including the East Sea, counterterrorism, and the importance of ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific, during their virtual meeting on August 31.
Singaporean Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen talks with US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper (on screen) during a bilateral video conference on August 31. (Photo: Singapore's Ministry of Defence)
Hanoi (VNA) – Singaporean Minister for Defence Ng Eng Henand his US counterpart Mark Esper discussed variousregional security issues, including the East Sea, counterterrorism, and theimportance of ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific, during their virtualmeeting on August 31.
A mediarelease by The Pentagon revealed that the two sidesreaffirmed their commitments to the “excellent and long-standing bilateraldefense relationship and mutually-beneficial partnership.''
Meanwhile, theSingaporean Ministry of Defence said in a statement that the two defence chiefsalso discussed a wide range of regional and geopolitical developments,including the need for regional defence establishments to work closely toaddress common threats such as COVID-19 and terrorism.
It said bothcountries enjoy extensive defence interactions, including dialogues,military-to-military exchanges, training and cross-attendance of courses, anddefence technology cooperation. Both sides also addressed the importance of maintainingthe momentum of bilateral cooperation initiatives amid the pandemic.
Esperexpressed appreciation for the regional access that Singapore provides USforces which has been extended for another 15 years.
LastSeptember, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and US President DonaldTrump renewed the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Regarding US Use ofFacilities in Singapore through the Protocol of Amendment, extending theagreement for extra 15 years./.
US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo held talks with his Philippine counterpart on August 6 to update the latter on recent changes in US policy on maritime claims in the East Sea, as well as affirm the US’s support for Southeast Asian coastal states in upholding their sovereign rights and interests consistent with international law.
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) in the US Department of Commerce (DOC) announced on August 26 that it added 24 Chinese companies to the Entity List for their involvement in the illegal construction of artificial islands in the East Sea.
US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper on August 26 warned that China’s plan to modernise military forces will embolden its provocative behaviours in the South China Sea, which is called the East Sea in Vietnam, and the East China Sea.
The ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) and the US Trade Representative (USTR) Consultations took place virtually on August 27 as part of the 52nd meeting of the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM-52).
The US Department of Defence has voiced concern about China’s recent decision to conduct military exercises, including the firing of ballistic missiles around Vietnam’s Hoang Sa (internationally known as Paracel) Archipelago in the East Sea.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
Singaporean Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen talks with US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper (on screen) during a bilateral video conference on August 31. (Photo: Singapore's Ministry of Defence) 
