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General Phan Van Giang attends the ASEAN-Japan Defense Ministers’ Informal Meeting. |
The meeting was co-chaired by Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro and his Japanese counterpart Koizumi Shinjiro. A high-ranking delegation of the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense, led by General Phan Van Giang, Politburo member, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, attended the event.
Speaking at the meeting, Japanese Minister of Defense Koizumi Shinjiro noted that the world is facing complex and intertwined challenges, including increasingly severe natural disasters, global conflicts affecting supply chains, and shifts in the military balance that increase the risk of miscalculation. He stressed the need for ASEAN to uphold its solidarity, centrality and resilience, and affirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting ASEAN in all fields. He also proposed expanding cooperation beyond existing frameworks to further promote ASEAN’s central role.
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Japanese Minister of Defense Koizumi Shinjiro speaks at the meeting. |
General Phan Van Giang affirmed that ASEAN and Japan have built a solid foundation for cooperation over more than half a century, particularly since elevating their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023. He said ASEAN highly appreciates Japan’s active contributions and its support for ASEAN centrality and mechanisms such as the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+).
Against the backdrop of complex developments in the regional security environment, General Phan Van Giang stressed the need to strengthen dialogue, build trust and enhance cooperation in the spirit of “Navigating Our Future, Together,” the theme of the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026.
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An overview of the ASEAN-Japan Defense Ministers’ Informal Meeting |
Expressing his appreciation for the substantive development of ASEAN-Japan defense cooperation, General Phan Van Giang proposed three measures to further advance the relationship.
First, the two sides should maintain dialogue and contacts at all levels to enhance mutual understanding and provide orientations for cooperation. Second, they should step up substantive exchanges, including training and cybersecurity cooperation, while supporting Japan’s continued active participation in ADMM+ Experts’ Working Groups. Third, they should expand cooperation in areas where Japan has strengths and ASEAN has needs, including education and training, humanitarian assistance, technology transfer, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and CBRN incident response.
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Delegates pose for a group photo. |
General Phan Van Giang expressed his confidence that, with the joint efforts of both sides, ASEAN-Japan defense cooperation will continue to develop in depth and breadth, making practical contributions to peace, stability and prosperity in the region.
Translated by Minh Anh