Teo describes 360 degrees of threats

SINGAPORE, June 2 (UPI) -- Singapore Defense Minister Teo Chee Hean said during the Shangri-La Dialogue that the Asia-Pacific region faces security challenges from all directions.

Teo, speaking during the seventh annual Shangri-La Dialogue, which ended Sunday, said the evolving security challenges facing the Asia-Pacific region are multifaceted and multidimensional. Teo said the security challenges, including nuclear non-proliferation, terrorism and pandemics, among others, come from 360 degrees, the Singapore Ministry of Defense reported.

"They (security challenges) come from 360 degrees, and many of the new security challenges are also transnational in nature and require multilateral cooperation," Teo said in a statement.

"Issues such as energy security, food and water security affect us all. Other examples of these new 360 degrees security challenges include maritime security, pandemics, non-proliferation, terrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief."

The Shangri-La Dialogue brings together top defense officials from 27 countries to discuss public policy on defense and security in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, which organizes the event.

Officials also addressed how to effectively handle natural disasters like the recent devastation caused by Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar and the earthquake in the Sichuan province of China.