'We are simply stronger together': Desmond Choo stresses importance of maintaining global defence supply chains
Singapore must work together with partners across the world to maintain supply chains, Minister of State for Defence Desmond Choo said on Tuesday (Sept 8).MOS Choo was speaking at the 15th Seoul Defence Dialogue in Seoul, South Korea, where he highlighted the importance of supply chains in maintaining defence resilience.Drawing reference to the Middle East conflict, he stated that the supply chains built over decades have "come under strain"."Singapore is not spared," he said, explaining that about 90 per cent of oil that goes through the Strait of Hormuz is headed for Asia, including Singapore.He added: "A single chokepoint can cascade into serious consequences thousands of miles from the origin, and lead to shortages in diverse areas from fertilisers to shipping containers. Defence supply chains are not excepted from these risks."Choo explained that Singapore is especially vulnerable to the fast-evolving strategic environment."So therefore, my key message is this: securing our defence supply chains is a positive-sum effort; we are simply stronger together.