The 19th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM-19) officially opened on October 31 in Malaysia’s capital city, under the chair of Malaysian Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

A high-ranking delegation from Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defence, led by General Phan Van Giang, Politburo member, Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission, and Minister of National Defence, attended the ADMM-19, the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+), and related activities from October 30 to November 2.

In his opening speech, Malaysian Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin emphasized that this year’s theme, “ASEAN Unity for Security and Prosperity,” shows the belief that solidarity is both a shield against instability and a lasting promise of peace in the region. Notably, ADMM-19 marks a historic milestone with the participation of Timor-Leste as the newest member of the ASEAN family.

Minister Khaled Nordin reaffirmed that ASEAN’s core principle lies in maintaining the bloc’s centrality, placing interests above all else to prevent division or external influence. He called on the ADMM to evolve with the times, stressing that today’s threats transcend borders and traditional frameworks.

Beyond conventional challenges, he warned that the digital realm is facing unseen but equally dangerous threats such as cyberattacks, disinformation, and digital manipulation. Non-state actors, he said, are increasingly weaponizing technology to disrupt societies and undermine critical infrastructure. Therefore, ADMM must move beyond traditional military cooperation toward technology foresight, cybersecurity cooperation, and shared innovation.

Khaled Nordin also underscored ASEAN’s growing convening power, which demonstrates that external partners trust the bloc’s approach and view it as a neutral and reliable host for regional security agendas. He expressed hope that through ADMM and ADMM+, defence would serve not only as a shield of protection but also as a foundation for lasting peace.

On behalf of the Vietnamese delegation, General Phan Van Giang reaffirmed Vietnam’s strong support for Malaysia in successfully fulfilling its role as ASEAN Chair in 2025. He expressed confidence that Malaysia would lead ASEAN effectively, further reinforcing the bloc’s unity and resilience in tackling emerging security challenges for a peaceful, secure, and self-reliant region.

During the meeting, ministers reviewed the outcomes of the ASEAN Defence Senior Officials’ Meeting (ADSOM), endorsed eight new initiatives under ADMM, and discussed various events including ASEAN-Republic of Korea and ASEAN+1 meetings, the ASEAN+1 Maritime Exercise, and preparations for the upcoming 12th ADMM+.

The ADMM‑19 adopted two key documents: the Joint Statement by the ASEAN Defence Ministers on the Implementation of the ASEAN Political‑Security Community Strategic Plan of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, and the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration of the ADMM on ASEAN Unity for Security and Prosperity.

The Kuala Lumpur Declaration underscores the importance of upholding ASEAN’s leading role, as well as the ADMM and ADMM+ frameworks, in boosting regional security cooperation. It reaffirms the commitment to enhancing cooperation in non-traditional security areas, maintaining open and transparent cooperation, and calls for the full implementation of the Five-Point Consensus set by ASEAN leaders to deal with Myanmar related issue.

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