With over 100 delegates from25 countries taking part, the annual event is meant to prepare for the Shangri-LaDialogue, the Asia-Pacific's premier securitysummit, in Singapore.
Discussions are focusing onsecurity issues of vital importance in the region, including challenges arisingfrom missile proliferation and missile defence system, protection of maritimefreedom and interests, policy implications of new technologies in conflicts.
In his opening speech on January 20, Senior Minister of State for Defence of Singapore Heng Chee How said multilateralism remains a usefultool to solve regional and global security challenges, despite an increasing tendency from some to push back againstit.
There is arenewed sense among some major powers that their interests would be better metthrough unilateral or bilateral means, while the unequal outcomes of tradeliberalisation have led many to perceive free trade as unjust, he said.
He said thesecumulative pushbacks against multilateralism weaken collective resolve andability to tackle global challenges together.
On the wayahead, Heng suggested multilateral institutions should be strengthened,including updating and renewing the rules and structures of multilateralinstitutions./.