The future development of the ARF: enhancing cooperative structures

& mechanisms for CBMs and PD

Presentation by:

Wong Chow Ming,

Singapore

History of the ARF: An exercise in confidence building• Background behind the formation of the ARF

-- born after cold war, need for multilateral security dialogue

-- building of trust and development of norms

• Why possible?

-- confidence building activities

-- responsive to new/emerging security issues

The present ARF: a forum in transition

Decision to move into PD in 2005 Strides towards concrete cooperation

-- Table Top exercises-- ARF Guidelines on Disaster Relief Cooperation

Why important?-- Build inter-operability, familiarity

Accomplishment considering diversities of ARF members

The future of the ARF: the ARF Review

Desk Top and SOPs important, but not sufficient for PD

Hence, undertaking the ARF Review-- Stocktake on current achivements-- Chart out future direction

The future of the ARF: the ARF Review (II)

Internal and External factors driving review-- External: regional environment, security challenges increasingly multi-faceted, ARF no longer the only game in town-- Internal: expansion, divergent interests

•Review to address these issues, as well as to brainstorm on ways to revitalize the forum.

The future of the ARF: the ARF Review (III)

a) Roles of ASEAN and non-ASEAN - ASEAN as primary driving force, but lack

resources- Vital role of non-ASEAN ARF participants

The future of the ARF: the ARF Review (IV)

b) Focus on key areas

Diffused and lacking in focus Focus on a few key areas,

i.e. counter-terrorism, disaster management, non-proliferation & disarmament, and maritime security

Already two ISMs established

The future of the ARF: the ARF Review (V)

c)Enhance concrete practical cooperation

Seminars and workshops build confidence

But need concrete cooperation such as joint exercises

Movement towards real exercises involving real assets

The future of the ARF: the ARF Review (VI)

d) Streamline decision-making processes.

Routine activities to be passed to SOM for approval

Urgent meetings to be convened through ad-referendum approval

Working Methods proposal

The future of the ARF: the ARF Review (VII)

Other recommendations:- strengthen Chair and ARF Unit

--Sec-Gen as ex officio member of FOC- maintain “flexible moratorium” on

membership- enhance cooperation with Track II and

external organizations List not exhaustive-- PD Study and ARF Review

recommendations- basis of ARF Vision Statement

The future of the ARF: the ARF Review (VIII)

27 members, consensus no easy feat

Review should be bold and visionary

Trick is to achieve a balance

THANK YOUTHANK YOU