Vietnam puts forward proposals to enhance ASEAN defence cooperation with partners

In his opening remarks, Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro reviewed the outcomes of the 20th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM), attended by representatives of 19 countries, the ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partners.

The meeting adopted two outcome documents: the Joint Statement by the ASEAN Defence Ministers Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, and the Manila Joint Declaration on the 20th Anniversary of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting: Navigating Our Future, Together.

The documents reaffirm a shared commitment to upholding common principles, solidifying ASEAN unity and promoting ASEAN centrality in relations with its partners and dialogue partners.

Teodoro also outlined three guiding principles for cooperation between ASEAN and its partners. First, cooperation must be based on mutual respect and compliance with international law, including the United Nations Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Second, the steady and significant progress made under the ADMM-Plus framework must be sustained. Third, cooperation on food and energy security should be welcomed amid supply chain challenges and conflicts around the world.

In his speech at the meeting, General Phan Van Giang stated that traditional security threats and challenges persisted, while non-traditional security challenges were becoming increasingly complex. Climate change and natural disasters had recently affected many parts of the world in succession, causing heavy losses of life and property. People in disaster-affected areas faced serious difficulties in their daily lives, requiring joint efforts by countries and the international community to respond to these challenges.

A comprehensive view of the security architecture showed that traditional and non-traditional security challenges could affect and transform one another, he said. This made cooperation among countries essential to addressing both types of challenges simultaneously.

“We support building a world order in which strategic competition takes place, but such competition must be healthy. Otherwise, it can easily lead to countries being drawn into opposing camps and the formation of blocs, creating divisions and disagreements, and even triggering wars and conflicts.

“Countries need to maintain peaceful and friendly relations and cooperate for shared development. They should resolve conflicts, disputes and differences through peaceful means, on the basis of respect for international law, regional commitments, sovereignty, independence and each other’s legitimate interests. Countries must neither threaten nor use force in international relations.

“These are fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and also reflect Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy. We hope the countries concerned will consistently uphold these principles in addressing issues, comply with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea  (DOC), and work towards the early conclusion of a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) with clearer legal status,” General Giang stressed.

Sixteen years after its inaugural meeting was held in Hanoi in 2010, ADMM-Plus remains an important multilateral mechanism for defence cooperation. General Giang outlined four areas that the mechanism should focus on.

First, intensify dialogue on the basis of respect for international law, regional commitments, countries’ independence, sovereignty and legitimate interests. This would help manage differences, build trust and foster peaceful and cooperative relations for common development.

Second, uphold and promote ASEAN centrality, connectivity and inclusiveness, manage differences and build consensus on the basis of common principles. He called on dialogue partners to continue supporting a united and resilient ASEAN, founded on equality, goodwill and mutual respect, and to contribute to maintaining regional peace, security and stability.

Third, improve the effectiveness of cooperation under ADMM-Plus by prioritising areas of common interest that match the needs and strengths of the parties, while enhancing the performance of the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Groups. General Giang took the opportunity to thank the countries for supporting Vietnam and India in co-chairing the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Cyber Security for the 2027-2030 cycle.

Fourth, strengthen capacity to respond to emerging challenges by expanding cooperation in relevant areas, sharing experience and enhancing links among research agencies, academies, training institutions and young officers.

Regarding artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies, he called for a responsible approach consistent with international law and serving the goals of peace, stability and common security.

Referring to the third Vietnam International Defence Exhibition, scheduled to take place in Hanoi from December 10 to 13, 2026, under the theme “Peace - Friendship - Cooperation for Mutual Development”, General Giang said the event reflects Vietnam’s foreign policy and will contribute to developing the country’s defence industry in support of efforts to firmly safeguard national independence and sovereignty.

He expressed his hope that leaders of defence ministries and armed forces from other countries will visit Vietnam and attend the exhibition to strengthen solidarity, close ties and mutual political trust, and work together to maintain peace and stability in the region and the world.

At the informal ASEAN-US Defence Ministers’ Meeting and the informal ASEAN–Japan Defence Ministers’ Meeting on October 28, General Giang also gave proposals to make defence cooperation between ASEAN and its partners more substantive, practical and effective.

Vietnam’s high-level Ministry of National Defence delegation reaffirmed the country’s proactive role as an active and responsible ASEAN member, particularly in ASEAN defence and military cooperation. Its participation also demonstrated the country’s support for the Philippines as ASEAN Chair in 2026.

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