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Good evening everyone.

Ambassador Traslosheros, Parliamentary colleagues, the Dean and members of the Diplomatic Corps, distinguished guests, members of Mexico’s community in New Zealand, ladies and gentlemen.

Parliamentary colleagues, Secretary of Defence Helen Quilter, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Tim Keating, representatives of industry, Defence personnel and officials, distinguished guests: It is a pleasure to be here this evening, and to see

Family members of Leslie Andrew, KiwiRail Chief Executive Peter Reidy, chairman of the Rail Heritage Trust Murray King, Deputy Chief of Army Brigadier Chris Parsons, Willie Apiata VC: good morning, and good morning to everyone here for this very special

My thanks to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Dr John Chipman, and the Singapore Ministry of Defence for what has been a very rewarding event.

This forum is one of the world's pre-eminent institutions for defence diplomacy. 

It provides a chance for friends and neighbours from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond to talk openly about the challenges and opportunities we face in our region. 

Thank you to the Defence Industry Association for inviting me to open the Forum with this speech.

This is my first time attending the Forum, and I can see from the programme that you have an excellent two days of meetings and discussion ahead of you.

The Government released its second Defence White Paper in June.

So it is worth briefly reflecting on the New Zealand’s defence policy and the environment that has helped shape it.

The last 15 years has seen the international strategic environment become increasingly uncertain and unstable.

Terrorism is a global issue that affects many nations, including those in the Asia-Pacific.

It is not new to Southeast Asia – extremist groups have had an enduring presence in countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines for decades.

The increasing influence of Daesh in the region is very concerning.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak today.

The last 15 years has seen the international strategic environment become increasingly uncertain and unstable. 

If we ever were in a benign strategic environment we most certainly are no longer.

Some of the changes have evolved more gradually, for example the resurgence of a more assertive Russia.

The growing economic might of China and its emergence as a military big power.

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.

May I begin by thanking the People’s Liberation Army for giving me the opportunity to speak at this historic university.

In particular, I would like to thank Lieutenant General Zhang Shibo, the President of the National Defense University, for hosting my delegation today.

It was a pleasure to have welcomed you to New Zealand last year.

This is my first visit to China as Minister of Defence.

I have visited China four times, and I feel more welcome every time I return.