Singapore Defense Minister warns global security risks had "gone up" citing Ukraine war

Singapore's Defense Minister warned on Saturday that global security risks had "gone up" due to the "epochal" events of COVID and the war in Ukraine.

Speaking following meetings with ministers attending the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Ng Eng Hen said there had been significant discussions on the war in Ukraine and the impact it was having on Europe and around the world.

He said the conflict along with the COVID-19 pandemic had caused "inflationary pressures and supply shocks" which were affecting food supplies and the affordability of essential goods.

Due to the war and its impact on Europe, leaders held discussions on how Asia "must remain stable," Ng said.

"If there's instability in Asia it will only compound the issue," he warned.

Officials also discussed several problems affecting the continent including issues surrounding the South China Sea and the instability on the Korean Peninsula.

The defence minister said during the talks ministers were, "very forthcoming, professional, all with one common aspiration" and hoped the dialogue would contribute to each country's "calculations of how to maintain peace."