He highlighted that the differences between the two nations will last “quite long”, pointing to the fundamental difference in their political systems. The US is a democracy while China is ruled by the Communist Party.
“There are bound to be differences. It’s not going to go away overnight. So, we have to find some level of accommodation, some level of progress despite the differences over the next few decades.”
Dr Ng added that he does not think a small country can balance big powers. While it may be an aspiration to hope for, the country would be “put to the test” if these powers exert pressure.
“Our approach is really to convince the powers to be, whether they’re big, middle or otherwise, that it is to their collective interest to have a system that protects the rights of large and small powers … and to be inclusive to avoid military alliances (and) trade blocs,” said the defence minister.
LEARNING THE WESTERN STYLE
Dr Ng also shared his observations on how Chinese representatives have learnt and adapted to how Western forums and dialogues are conducted.
Speaking about his experience attending the Beijing Xiangshan Forum last October – which has been styled as China’s answer to the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore – the minister said: “Things are a bit more scripted. Questions sometimes tend to be a bit more polite. They don’t sometimes ask what they really want to ask.”
On the other hand, Western-based meetings tend to be “full on” and questions are supposed to be asked in public.
