ASEAN Defence Ministers Reaffirm Importance of Open and Inclusive Regional Security Architecture

28 October 2026 Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing participated in the 20th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) in Cebu, Philippines, today. Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing (first from left) at the 20th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM). Minister Chan (fifth from right) with other ASEAN Defence Ministers for the 20th ADMM. Minister Chan (fifth from right) at the ASEAN-US Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting. Minister Chan (left) meeting with India Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh. Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing participated in the 20th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) in Cebu, Philippines, today. Under the Philippines’ Chairmanship, the 20th ADMM adopted several proposals to develop greater preparedness in emerging security domains. These include a second ADMM-Plus Conference on Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Threats and a Conference on Maritime Security Resilience amidst Emerging Technologies, which will be held next year. The meeting also adopted the 20th ADMM Joint Statement commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, as well as the Manila Joint Declaration on the 20th ADMM. These underscore the ASEAN defence establishments’ commitment to constructive and strategic dialogue, as well as practical cooperation with each other and ADMM-Plus partners, to promote peace, security and stability in the region. The ADMM also had separate informal meetings with the Defence Ministers of the United States (US) and Japan. During these meetings, the ADMM reaffirmed the US’ and Japan’s meaningful contributions to the ADMM, and discussed further opportunities for collaboration in areas of common interest. During the ASEAN-US Informal Meeting, Minister Chan expressed appreciation for the US’ longstanding collaboration with the ADMM, and reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment as ADMM Chair in 2027 to facilitate the US’ engagement with ASEAN on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN-US Dialogue Relations in 2027, including by supporting the US’ development of an ASEAN-US framework for defence cooperation. During the ASEAN-Japan Informal Meeting, Minister Chan expressed Singapore’s continued support for deeper defence relations with Japan as the current country coordinator for ASEAN-Japan Dialogue Relations. Minister Chan also held bilateral meetings with representatives from Timor Leste, the Philippines, Laos, the US, and India. These are valuable opportunities for frank and regular engagements with Singapore’s partners to reaffirm commitment to build strong bilateral relationships complemented by collaboration on the ADMM/ADMM-Plus. Back to top