SHANGHAI, PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, Thursday, 11 April 2013 – The second ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Defence Officials’ Dialogue (DOD) meeting for the inter-sessional year 2012-2013 was held at the Grand Central Hotel in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China. The DOD was co-chaired by Haji Adi Ihram bin Dato Paduka Haji Mahmud, Acting Director Defence Policy, Ministry of Defence, Brunei Darussalam and RADM Li Ji, Deputy Chief, Foreign Affairs Office, Ministry of National Defence, People’s Republic of China.
In his opening remarks, the Brunei Co-Chair stated
that
the regional security situation is likely to remain dynamic in the foreseeable future. He viewed that the prevailing challenges to the regional security have presented the opportunities for a broader cooperation to better manage issues, particularly those which could lead to tension and hostilities.
He underlined that the practice of CBMs and PD are crucial steps in promoting regional peace and stability. Regional institutions, particularly the ARF plays an important role for this purpose. He informed the Dialogue that Brunei Darussalam and China are now working on the Commemorative Publication for 20th Anniversary of the ARF.
The Dialogue discussed the theme of Defence Contribution to the Achievement of ASEAN Regional Forum’s Staged Objectives, focusing on two topics. Topic 1: “Defence and Confidence Building Measures Achievements and Problems” led by Brunei Darussalam.
The Dialogue viewed that confidence-building activities in defence sector could achieve tangible results. In light of this, the Dialogue reiterated that confidence must be maintained through regular interactions and constructive discussions and not be taken for granted. The Dialogue acknowledged that confidence and trust are the prerequisites to move to the stage PD and in this context, defence institutions needed to play important role.
China led the discussion on Topic 2: “Defence and Preventive Diplomacy: Regional Experiences and Challenges”. The Brunei Co-Chair
underscored that the implementation of the ARF Work Plan on Preventive Diplomacy should be based on the principles of consultation, consensus, and respect to sovereignty. He stressed that the ARF should introduce PD activities gradually to ensure their effective implementation while the CBMs continue to be pursued. The
Brunei Co-Chair also suggested other than focusing on the traditional security issues of Preventive Diplomacy, the ARF may also want to consider focusing on areas of non-traditional security issues, such as cyber security.
The Dialogue took note of the development of the situation in the Korean Peninsula by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Some participants expressed concerns on the increasing tension in Korean Peninsula and reiterated support to the United Nations Security Council Relations 2087 and 2094. The Dialogue also noted the calls by some participants on the resumption of the Six-Party Talks. The Dialogue emphasized the importance of resolving the issue peacefully by addressing the concerns of all countries.
Brunei Darussalam’s Co-Chair informed the Meeting on the next ARF Defence Officials Dialogue held back-to-back with the ARF Security Policy Conference (ASPC) which is scheduled on 21 – 24 May 2013 in Brunei Darussalam.
The Forum was attended by most of the ARF member states except Bangladesh and New Zealand.
