Việt Nam and Japan have decided to intensify their defence cooperation, focusing on several strategic areas such as military training, cybersecurity, the development of the defence industry, United Nations peacekeeping missions, and efforts in post-war recovery. This agreement was reached during a meeting in Hà Nội between Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Phan Văn Giang and General Uchikura Hiroaki, the Chief of Staff of Japan’s Self-Defence Forces. The discussions centered around measures to bolster bilateral defence ties and enhance the implementation of existing agreements.
General Phan Văn Giang underscored Việt Nam’s dedication to improving consultation and dialogue mechanisms, increasing cooperation among military branches, and fostering collaboration in defence technology, military medicine, and cybersecurity. He pointed out that defence relations have become a crucial component of the broader Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Việt Nam and Japan. The Vietnamese minister also acknowledged Japan’s assistance in areas such as personnel training, defence industry development, technology transfer, and initiatives for post-war recovery.
Japan continues to be a vital economic and strategic partner for Việt Nam, with robust cooperation extending across trade, investment, development aid, and labour exchanges. The scope of defence cooperation has expanded considerably, supported by ongoing policy dialogues and military consultations between the two nations. General Uchikura confirmed Japan’s commitment to reinforcing defence ties with Việt Nam and expressed a desire to broaden cooperation in high-level exchanges, military education, cybersecurity, and healthcare services within the armed forces.
In addition to strengthening existing areas of collaboration, General Phan Văn Giang called for increased scholarship and training opportunities for Vietnamese defence personnel, particularly in the fields of science, engineering, and technology. This move aims to enhance the skills and expertise of Việt Nam’s military workforce. Both countries agreed to maintain close coordination to further build mutual trust, ensure regional stability, and foster long-term strategic cooperation.