Amidst a rapidly evolving global landscape, representatives from Japan and ASEAN nations gathered in Tokyo for the 14th Japan-ASEAN Defence Vice-Ministerial Forum, reinforcing their commitment to regional peace and stability. The forum, held on Tuesday, underscored the critical role of defence cooperation in addressing emerging security challenges in the Asia-Pacific, with Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of National Defence, Sen. Lieut. Gen. Hoàng Xuân Chiến, delivering a powerful call for sustained dialogue and collaboration.
The event comes at a pivotal moment as geopolitical tensions, particularly in the South China Sea (known regionally as the East Sea), continue to test the resilience of regional frameworks. Chiến, representing Vietnam, highlighted the transformative changes shaping the world and praised the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+) as a cornerstone for managing security issues through dialogue and practical cooperation. His remarks set the tone for a forum focused on deepening ties between Japan and the Southeast Asian bloc, with an emphasis on maintaining peace in a region often described as a geopolitical flashpoint.
A Shared Vision for Regional Stability
In his address, Chiến commended Japan for its proactive role in strengthening defence relations with ASEAN, noting the importance of mechanisms such as the ASEAN-Japan Informal Defence Ministers’ Meeting and the vice-ministerial forum itself. These platforms, he argued, are vital for fostering high-level consultations and ensuring that regional security remains a collective priority. He also called for closer coordination in global and regional mechanisms to safeguard navigation and aviation security in the South China Sea, advocating for the peaceful resolution of disputes in line with international law. 
The Vietnamese deputy minister’s emphasis on the South China Sea reflects ongoing concerns among ASEAN members about maritime sovereignty and the need for a unified stance. While specific disputes were not detailed at the forum, the subtext of Chiến’s remarks pointed to the importance of countering unilateral actions that threaten stability—a sentiment likely shared by other ASEAN delegates, given the region’s complex web of territorial claims.
Looking to the future, Chiến urged Japan and ASEAN to expand practical cooperation under initiatives like the Japan-ASEAN Ministerial Initiative for Enhanced Defence Cooperation (JASMINE). He identified key areas for collaboration, including humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, peacekeeping, and war legacy remediation—issues of particular relevance to post-conflict nations like Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Additionally, he highlighted Japan’s expertise in advanced technology and training as potential avenues for partnership, aligning with ASEAN’s growing demand for capacity-building in defence sectors.
Bilateral Engagements: Building Trust and Unity
Beyond the forum’s plenary sessions, Chiến engaged in a series of bilateral meetings with counterparts from Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, reflecting Vietnam’s commitment to strengthening defence ties on multiple fronts. These discussions, held on the sidelines of the Tokyo event, offered a glimpse into the intricate network of partnerships that underpin ASEAN’s collective security architecture. In his meeting with Malaysia’s Secretary-General of the Ministry of Defence, Datuk Lokman Hakim bin Ali, Chiến expressed confidence in Malaysia’s ability to lead ASEAN’s defence and military engagements as chair in 2025. He pledged Vietnam’s full support, a gesture reciprocated by Lokman, who emphasized Malaysia’s commitment to fostering unity within the bloc and deepening ties with Vietnam. Both sides agreed to launch their first deputy minister-level defence policy dialogue this year, marking a significant step forward in bilateral relations. This development signals Malaysia’s intent to leverage its chairmanship to enhance regional cohesion, with Vietnam positioned as a key ally in this endeavour.
Similarly, Chiến’s discussions with Thailand’s Permanent Secretary for Defence, General Sanitchanog Sangkachantra, focused on consolidating existing cooperation. The two officials praised the “substantial and effective” partnership between their defence ministries and committed to enhancing high-level exchanges. Plans were set to finalise arrangements for the 6th Vietnam-Thailand defence policy dialogue, alongside expanded collaboration in maritime law enforcement, defence industry, logistics, military medicine, and border management. Notably, both sides agreed to share experiences on the military’s role in pandemic response—a timely priority given the region’s recent history of health crises.
Deepening Historical Bonds with Laos and Cambodia
Chiến’s engagements with Laos and Cambodia underscored the unique historical and political ties that bind these nations to Vietnam. Meeting with Major General Somphone Mittaphone, Chief of the Office of the Lao Ministry of National Defence, Chiến stressed the importance of maintaining key mechanisms such as the annual defence ministers’ meeting involving Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, as well as joint military exercises hosted by Laos. He also proposed initiatives to improve human resources training, including a conference on military cadet training in Vietnam and an exchange programme for young officers. Somphone expressed profound gratitude for Vietnam’s longstanding support, describing it as emblematic of the “unique relationship” between the two countries. The agreement to hold the 5th Vietnam-Laos defence policy dialogue in Laos further cements this partnership, which is rooted in shared history and mutual trust.
In a parallel discussion with General Nem Sowat, Director General of Cambodia’s General Department of Policy & Foreign Affairs, Chiến reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to bilateral defence initiatives, including preparations for the 2nd Vietnam-Cambodia border defence friendship exchange. Both sides pledged to continue mutual support at multilateral forums, highlighting the importance of solidarity within ASEAN and beyond. These exchanges reflect a broader trend of Vietnam positioning itself as a linchpin in fostering regional stability, particularly among its immediate neighbours.
Japan’s Role: A Bridge to Broader Cooperation
Japan’s hosting of the forum is itself a testament to its growing role as a strategic partner for ASEAN. Tokyo has long sought to balance its economic and security interests in Southeast Asia, often positioning itself as a counterweight to other major powers in the region. Initiatives like JASMINE demonstrate Japan’s willingness to invest in practical defence cooperation, from disaster relief to technology transfer—areas where its capabilities align closely with ASEAN’s needs. For ASEAN nations, Japan offers a model of partnership that prioritises mutual benefit over dominance, a contrast to other external actors whose involvement in the region can sometimes be perceived as self-serving. If sustained, this approach could help Japan carve out a unique niche as a trusted ally, particularly in addressing non-traditional security threats like climate change-induced disasters and cybersecurity risks. While the forum did not produce specific commitments on these fronts, Chiến’s call for expanded collaboration in advanced technology development hints at future possibilities, provided both sides can navigate the logistical and political challenges of such partnerships.
Challenges and Speculative Horizons
Despite the optimism surrounding the forum, several challenges loom on the horizon. The South China Sea remains a contentious issue, with overlapping claims involving multiple ASEAN states and external powers. While Chiến’s remarks on peaceful dispute resolution were measured, the absence of concrete proposals for de-escalation suggests that progress on this front may remain elusive. If tensions escalate, the mechanisms praised at the forum—such as ADMM+—could be tested in ways that reveal their limitations, particularly if key actors prioritise national interests over collective security. The practical implementation of initiatives like JASMINE remains uncertain. While the intent to cooperate on humanitarian assistance and technology is clear, the specifics of funding, timelines, and resource allocation were not addressed in Tokyo. If these gaps persist, the impact of such frameworks may be more symbolic than substantive—a risk acknowledged implicitly in calls for “closer coordination.” It must be noted, however, that no evidence currently suggests a lack of commitment from either Japan or ASEAN; these observations are speculative and contingent on future developments.
Another area of uncertainty is the domestic political context within ASEAN member states. Malaysia’s upcoming chairmanship, for instance, will occur against the backdrop of its own internal challenges, including economic pressures and political transitions. While Chiến expressed confidence in Kuala Lumpur’s leadership, the extent to which Malaysia can prioritise regional defence agendas remains to be seen. If domestic priorities take precedence, ASEAN’s unity on security matters could face strain, though this remains a hypothetical concern at present.
A Step Towards Collective Security
The 14th Japan-ASEAN Defence Vice-Ministerial Forum in Tokyo marks a significant, if incremental, step towards deeper regional cooperation. By reaffirming their commitment to dialogue, practical initiatives, and mutual support, Japan and ASEAN have laid the groundwork for addressing shared challenges—from maritime security to disaster response. Vietnam’s active role, exemplified by Deputy Minister Chiến’s engagements, underscores the importance of individual member states in driving this agenda forward.
Yet, as the region navigates an era of “transformative changes,” the path ahead will require more than goodwill. Concrete actions, sustained funding, and a willingness to tackle contentious issues head-on will determine whether the promises made in Tokyo translate into lasting stability. For now, the forum serves as a reminder of what is possible when nations prioritise collaboration over conflict—a message that resonates far beyond the conference halls of the Japanese capital.
