Admiral Rob Bauer, Chair of the NATO Military Committee, attended the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore from 30 May to 2 June 2024. During the dialogue, he engaged in meetings with senior officials from various countries, including China, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, and the United States. Admiral Bauer participated in panel sessions on topics such as AI, Cyber Defence, and Future Warfare, where he expressed concerns about the unrestricted use of new technologies on the battlefield. He emphasized the need to regulate weapon systems and avoid combining high tech weaponry with medieval lawlessness and impunity.
On the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, Admiral Bauer met with Lieutenant General Jing Jianfeng of China to discuss concerns about Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the importance of freedom of navigation. He stressed the significance of continued military-to-military dialogue to prevent misunderstandings and miscalculations. Additionally, Admiral Bauer met with officials from New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, and Switzerland to discuss partnerships in addressing shared security challenges and maintaining security around global commons such as sea lanes and communication systems.
During his keynote address at the Indo-Pacific Forum, Admiral Bauer highlighted the importance of partnerships in an increasingly divided world. He emphasized NATO’s commitment to deepening practical cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners in areas such as cyber defence, counter-disinformation, and emerging technologies. The partnership between NATO and Japan has become more crucial following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and both entities are working to strengthen their collaboration to address security challenges in the region.
Admiral Bauer’s participation in the Shangri-La Dialogue allowed him to engage in critical discussions on global security challenges and the impact of new technologies on warfare. His meetings with officials from various countries underscored the importance of military transparency, dialogue, and cooperation in preventing conflicts and maintaining peace. By addressing concerns about the use of new technologies on the battlefield and emphasizing the need for regulation and control, Admiral Bauer highlighted the importance of ethical considerations in military advancements and the potential consequences of unchecked technological developments.
