Congratulating the Philippines on assuming the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien hailed the theme Manila has chosen for its chair year; affirmed Vietnam’s support; and expressed confidence that the Philippines will fulfil this important role as a contribution to ASEAN unity and centrality.

On behalf of the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence, he extended warmest congratulations to the Philippine military on the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (21/12/1935-21/12/2025).

He conveyed sympathies to the Philippine Government, people and armed forces over the heavy loss of life and property caused by recent earthquakes and storms, while expressing confidence that, under the Government’s leadership and with the active engagement of the armed forces, affected localities will soon recover.

Agreeing with the report of the 8th Vietnam-Philippines Joint Working Group on Defence Cooperation, he appreciated the substantive, comprehensive progress achieved between the two ministries since the 6th Defence Policy Dialogue in July 2024.

Key areas include strengthened delegation exchanges at all levels, notably high-level visits- sustained mechanisms for dialogue, consultations and professional exchanges from ministry level to services; cooperation in training, expertise sharing, defence industry and military medicine.

The two sides have also coordinated and supported each other at multilateral forums and international events; and conducted reciprocal naval and coast guard ship visits as part of activities marking the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership.

They also worked together to assist residents affected by the October 2025 earthquake in the Philippines, demonstrating the solidarity between the two peoples and militaries.

Recognizing the Philippines’ great contributions within the frameworks of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the ADMM-Plus through active participation and practical initiatives, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien underlined Vietnam’s commitment to continuing responsible participation in ADMM and ADMM-Plus efforts for regional peace and stability.

Vietnam stands ready to work with the Philippines and other countries to deal with outstanding issues and differences in the region in line with international law, ASEAN principles, and the legitimate interests of all parties concerned.

For future cooperation, he proposed that both sides continue to deepen their trusted, comprehensive and practical defence ties, with a focus on maintaining delegation exchanges and engagements at various levels; optimising existing cooperation mechanisms; and enhancing interactions between their navies, air forces and coast guard agencies as the two countries mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties (1976-2026).

He also suggested maintaining regular communication channels to update developments and coordinate timely responses to incidents at sea; ensuring humane treatment of fishermen violating each other’s waters; sustaining effective personnel training cooperation; and exploring potential areas such as defence industry, logistics, military medicine, maritime security, search and rescue, and cyber security. He encouraged continued mutual consultations and support within ASEAN defence cooperation frameworks.

On this occasion, he invited the Philippine Ministry of National Defense and Philippine defence industry enterprises to attend the 3rd Vietnam International Defence Expo, scheduled for late 2026.

Expressing thanks for the warm reception, Philippine Undersecretary of National Defence Irineo C. Espino, on behalf of the Philippine Secretary of National Defence, congratulated Vietnam on its 80th National Day and conveyed condolences over the human and material losses caused by recent natural disasters.

He emphasized that 2025 marks a major milestone in bilateral ties as the two countries celebrate the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership (17/11/2015-17/11/2025). He noted that Vietnam and the Philippines have worked closely across various fields, including defence cooperation.

According to Undersecretary Espino, this dialogue is significant in reaffirming the two countries’ shared vision for regional peace, security, stability and development, as well as in advancing their common approach to defence cooperation. Praising Vietnam’s contributions to ADMM and ADMM-Plus, he expressed hopes that bilateral defence ties will be further strengthened as the two countries near the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year (1976-2026).

During the dialogue, both sides discussed global and regional developments and issues of shared concern; underscored ASEAN’s role in shaping and sustaining the regional security architecture; and encouraged practical cooperation among member states and between ASEAN and its partners.

On the East Sea, they emphasized that Vietnam and the Philippines have strategic interests in preserving peace, security, and safety of navigation and aviation; and reaffirmed their intention to continue working together to promote ASEAN’s stance on resolving all differences through peaceful means, consistent with international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

They called for full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and for early conclusion of an effective, substantive Code of Conduct (COC) in line with international law.

At the dialogue, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of National Defence Hoang Xuan Chien and Philippine Undersecretary Irineo C. Espino signed the Dialogue Minutes and witnessed the signing of the Terms of Reference (TOR) on boosting cooperation in military medicine.

Vietnam Coast Guard delegation departs for Philippines to strengthen maritime partnership

Vietnam Coast Guard Vessel 8002 departed for the Philippines on October 1, marking the first visit by the Vietnamese maritime law enforcement force to the archipelago nation this year with the aim of deepening maritime cooperation.