Thirteenth ADMM-Plus promoting dialogue and building trust

The meeting brought together defense ministers and representatives from the 11 ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partners, namely Australia, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the U.S., Russia, and China. General Phan Van Giang, Politburo member, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, led a high-level delegation from Viet Nam’s Ministry of National Defense to the meeting.

General Phan Van Giang attends the 13th ADMM-Plus.

In his opening remarks, the Philippine Secretary of National Defense thanked ASEAN member states, dialogue partners, and the ASEAN Secretariat for their support during the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship. He emphasized their shared commitment to respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the rejection of the threat or use of force. These principles, he said, have united the participating countries for decades and will continue to guide them in the years ahead.

He called for continued cooperation under the ADMM-Plus framework, highlighting the Philippines and Japan’s role as co-chairs of the Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security for the 2024-2027 cycle. He also urged stronger international protection for migrant workers and seafarers stranded in overseas conflicts, underscoring their contributions to the global economy.

Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro chairs the meeting.

General Phan Van Giang delivers remarks at the 13th ADMM-Plus.

The meeting reviewed the outcomes of the ASEAN Defense Senior Officials’ Meeting-Plus (ADSOM-Plus) and heard a report from the ASEAN Secretary-General on the situation in ASEAN. Delegates exchanged views on regional and global security issues, adopted the ADMM-Plus Joint Thematic Declaration on Youth, Peace and Security, and discussed related matters.

Addressing the meeting, General Phan Van Giang noted that traditional security challenges remain a concern while non-traditional threats are becoming increasingly complex. Climate change and a series of natural disasters in various parts of the world have caused significant loss of life and property, placing severe hardships on affected communities. Responding to these challenges required concerted efforts by countries and the international community.

He stressed that traditional and non-traditional security challenges could influence and transform one another, making good-faith cooperation essential to addressing both simultaneously.

Delegates attend the event

General Phan Van Giang called for strategic competition to remain healthy and constructive, warning that otherwise it could lead to the formation of opposing blocs, deepen disagreements, and even trigger wars and conflicts. He emphasized that countries should maintain peaceful and friendly relations, cooperate for mutual development, and resolve conflicts, disputes, and disagreements through peaceful means in accordance with international law and regional commitments, while respecting one another’s sovereignty, independence, and legitimate interests.

He also urged countries to refrain from threatening or using force in international relations and to uphold the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter. Reaffirming Viet Nam’s consistent foreign policy, he called on the countries concerned to apply these principles in resolving disputes, comply with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (known as South China Sea), and work toward the early signing of a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) with a clearer legal framework.

An overview of the 13th ADMM-Plus

The Vietnamese and Lao delegations pose for a group photo at the event.

Sixteen years after the first meeting was held in Ha Noi in 2010, the ADMM-Plus has become an important mechanism for multilateral defense cooperation. General Phan Van Giang outlined four priorities for strengthening the framework.

First, countries should promote dialogue based on respect for international law, regional commitments, national independence, sovereignty, and legitimate interests. They should manage differences, build trust, and foster peaceful relations and cooperation for mutual development.

Second, ASEAN’s centrality, connectivity, and inclusiveness should be preserved and strengthened. ASEAN should continue to reconcile differences and build consensus based on shared principles. General Phan Van Giang expressed his hope that dialogue partners would continue to support a united and resilient ASEAN founded on equality, goodwill, and mutual respect, contributing to regional peace, security, and stability.

General Phan Van Giang meets with defense ministry leaders from other countries on the sidelines of the meeting.

General Phan Van Giang meets with defense ministry leaders from other countries on the sidelines of the meeting.

Third, ADMM-Plus cooperation should become more effective, with priority given to areas of shared interest that match the needs and strengths of participating countries. The effectiveness of the ADMM Experts’ Working Groups should also be enhanced. He thanked the participating countries for supporting Viet Nam and India as co-chairs of the Experts’ Working Group on Cybersecurity for the 2027–2030 cycle.

Fourth, countries should strengthen their capacity to address emerging challenges by expanding cooperation in relevant areas, sharing experience, and strengthening links among research agencies, academies, training institutions, and young officers. Regarding artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, he called for a responsible approach consistent with international law and directed toward common goals of peace, stability, and security.

Mentioning the third Viet Nam Defense Expo, which is themed “Peace – Friendship – Cooperation for Mutual Development” and scheduled to take place in Ha Noi from December 10 to 13, General Phan Van Giang said the event reflected Viet Nam’s foreign policy and would contribute to developing the country’s defense industry to safeguard national independence and sovereignty.

General Phan Van Giang meets with Russian Deputy Defense Minister Aleksei Yuryevich Krivoruchko.

General Phan Van Giang meets with U.S. Assistant Secretary of War for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs John Noh.

He expressed his hope that leaders of defense ministries and armed forces from other countries would visit Viet Nam and attend the expo to strengthen solidarity, ties, and mutual political trust, contributing to peace and stability in the region and worldwide.

On the sidelines of the 13th ADMM-Plus, General Phan Van Giang met with leaders of defense ministries from other countries. He also held meetings with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Aleksei Yuryevich Krivoruchko, and U.S. Assistant Secretary of War for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs John Noh, who represented the U.S. at the meeting.

A view of the handover ceremony of chairmanships of the ADMM and ADMM-Plus

On the same day, a formal ceremony was held in Cebu to hand over the chairmanships of the ADMM and ADMM-Plus. Singapore’s Ministry of Defense will chair both mechanisms in 2027.

Translated by Tran Hoai