ASEAN defence ministers convened on May 30 ahead of the second day of the Shangri-La Dialogue to reaffirm their commitment to ensuring the free flow of trade and supplies through major international corridors such as the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. They emphasized upholding the right of transit passage under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) [1, 2].
The meeting stressed the importance of abiding by international law and norms in the region to maintain stability and secure maritime routes crucial for global commerce [1, 2]. Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing of Singapore co-hosted the event alongside Philippines Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., with leaders from eight ASEAN countries attending, including officials from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam [1, 2].
Singapore’s Ministry of Defence described the Shangri-La Dialogue as a platform enabling ASEAN members to engage with defence and security officials worldwide [1, 2]. At the dialogue, Minister Chan met with French Minister Catherine Vautrin and Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto. Chan and Vautrin agreed to deepen bilateral relations by enhancing military training and defence technology cooperation. An agreement with Italy was signed to strengthen defence supply chain resilience against disruptions [1, 2].
In the wider regional context, tension has increased since February 28 when the United States and Israel struck Iran, prompting Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz. This chokepoint handles about one fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flow, raising concerns about energy supply security [1, 2].
In April, Indonesia’s Finance Minister proposed a levy on ships passing through the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, with proceeds to be split among three parties. Indonesia’s and Malaysia’s foreign ministers have reiterated that no single country can unilaterally decide access to the Strait of Malacca [1, 2].
The reaffirmed commitment by ASEAN defence ministers to uphold free trade and secure passage rights at the May 30 meeting highlights ongoing regional efforts to safeguard critical maritime corridors. The next Shangri-La Dialogue sessions will continue through early June.
