As long as China does not feel it is being pushed into a corner by a U.S.-led coalition, there is no cause for concern if China develops closer relations with Russia, or with any other country, for that matter. There is no arms race. Every country has the right to build up its defense capability to a level that it feels is adequate for its security. There are now also more opportunities to acquire sophisticated defense equipment at competitive prices. Hence this is a good time to replace obsolete equipment and make up for the restraints on defense spending in the earlier years.
Regional stability is improved when all the countries in the region feel secure.
Singapore shares the view held by countries in the region that the ARF is an important forum where security issues of common concern can be discussed. This is valuable as it can help prevent contentious issues from escalating into armed conflicts. The ARF complements APEC, the economic framework in the region, and adds a new dimension to security cooperation. The challenge for the ARF is a big one, given the diversity and complexity of the issues, and the differences in outlook and perception among its members. It will become more effective over time as members get to know, understand and trust one another better, and are more comfortable discussing bigger issues.