Việt Nam and Japan have reached a consensus to enhance their defence collaboration, focusing on key strategic areas such as military training, cybersecurity, the development of the defence industry, peacekeeping operations under the United Nations, and post-war recovery efforts. This agreement was made during a meeting held in Hà Nội between Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Phan Văn Giang and General Uchikura Hiroaki, Chief of Staff of Japan’s Self-Defence Forces. The discussions centered on strengthening bilateral defence ties and implementing existing cooperation agreements with greater efficacy.
General Giang underscored Việt Nam’s dedication to advancing consultation and dialogue mechanisms, as well as expanding cooperation across military branches. He highlighted the importance of collaboration in defence technology, military medicine, and cybersecurity, noting that defence relations have become a vital pillar of the broader Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations. Additionally, he acknowledged Japan’s support in personnel training, defence industry development, technology transfer, and post-war recovery initiatives. The Vietnamese minister advocated for more scholarship and training opportunities for Vietnamese defence personnel, especially in science, engineering, and technology fields.
Japan remains a crucial economic and strategic ally for Việt Nam, with robust cooperation spanning trade, investment, development assistance, and labor exchanges. The defence relationship between the two countries has significantly expanded, bolstered by regular policy dialogues and military consultations. General Uchikura reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening defence ties with Việt Nam, expressing support for increased cooperation in high-level exchanges, military education, cybersecurity, and healthcare services within the armed forces.
Both nations agreed to maintain close coordination to further enhance mutual trust, regional stability, and long-term strategic cooperation. The meeting underscored the importance of deepening defence ties as a means to bolster overall strategic partnerships and address shared security challenges in the region.
