rr | | a J DEFENCE WHITE PAPER 4 DEFENCE WHITE PAPER * Develop the capacity to expand in a timely fashion to deter and, if necessary 2011 respond, to more serious challenges, including the defence of the nation against any prospect of direct military coercion. Foster security relationships with neighbour countries to support the joint management and protection of shared interests and to minimise the prospect of tension or conflict. Cooperate closely with ASEAN nations to promote shared security understanding, transparency in the security environment, and initiatives to enhance wider Asia-Pacific context. Participate in the stability planning for, in the and combined response to, any major security crisis that may arise within the immediate region with little or no warning, particularly the response to natural disasters. Make tailored contributions to wider international efforts to promote stability and a rules-based global order, particularly United Nations’ peace support and humanitarian relief operations. Modernising the force in line with overall regional trends will be important to interoperability and force’s capacity for timely expansion in the future. sor 2011 me 4