Build defence capabilities, but also reassure other nations: Chan Chun Sing

Enhancing a country’s security should not result in making others feel less secure, he says

- Lim Min Zhang China Correspondent

While every country has the right to build up its defence based on its needs, efforts to reassure other countries about its intentions must also strengthen as such capabilities grow, said Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing.

Speaking to Singapore and Chinese media on Sept 18, Mr Chan said that enhancing a country’s security should not result in making others feel less secure, in response to a question about China’s military parade on Sept 3.

China held a major parade to mark Victory Day - 80 years after Japan’s surrender on Sept 2, 1945, that officially ended World War II - with a display of military hardware such as intercontinental ballistic missiles and underwater drones, as well as fighter jet flypasts.

Mr Chan said: “Every country will have aspirations and also the right to build up their own defence capabilities according to their needs. However, as we become more capable in our defence capabilities... the greater must be our efforts to reassure people.”

This also applies to the Singapore Armed Forces, he added.