Members of the Southeast Asian Defense Pact claim it can assist the region manage tensions

Image: Reuters Berita 24 English - On Saturday, senior officials from Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom de...

Image: Reuters

Berita 24 English - On Saturday, senior officials from Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom declared that their 51-year-old Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) treaty was robust, current, and essential for handling escalating tensions in the region.

Following a discussion on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, the officials stated at a news conference that the relationship between the member nations was cordial and that they were focused on the future despite the growing geopolitical challenges.

As tensions in the area escalate, notably between China and U.S. partners, the FPDA has enormous relevance as a moderating influence, according to Hishammuddin Hussein, Malaysia's senior minister for defence.

Hishammuddin stated, "My greatest concern is unexpected mishaps and accidents that may spiral out of control and magnify the situation." If these platforms (like the FPDA) did not exist, it would be impossible to manage incidents that occasionally spiral out of control.

Hishammuddin, Singaporean Minister of Defense Ng Eng Hen, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Richard Marles, New Zealand Minister of Defence Peeni Henare, and British High Commissioner to Singapore Kara Owen all reaffirmed their commitment to the FPDA and emphasised its future relevance.

Marles stated, "Australia is deeply committed to the FPDA." Not something that we take for granted.