In a recent meeting held in Hà Nội, Việt Nam and Japan have pledged to bolster their defence cooperation across several strategic domains. The discussions, led by 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, focused on enhancing military training, cybersecurity, and the development of the defence industry. Both nations are also committed to collaborating on United Nations peacekeeping operations and initiatives related to post-war recovery.
General Phan Văn Giang underscored the importance of strengthening existing consultation and dialogue mechanisms between the two countries. He advocated for increased cooperation among various military branches and emphasized the importance of advancing collaboration in areas such as defence technology, military medicine, and cybersecurity. According to General Giang, these defence relations are a crucial component of the wider Comprehensive Strategic Partnership shared by Việt Nam and Japan.
Japan’s role in supporting Việt Nam is significant, particularly in areas like personnel training, defence industry development, and technology transfer. Additionally, Japan has been instrumental in post-war recovery projects. General Giang also expressed the desire for more scholarships and training opportunities for Vietnamese defence personnel, especially in fields like science, engineering, and technology, to further deepen this partnership.
Japan is a major economic and strategic ally for Việt Nam, with their cooperation extending beyond defence into realms such as trade, investment, and development assistance. The relationship is further strengthened through regular policy dialogues and military consultations. General Uchikura Hiroaki reiterated Japan’s dedication to enhancing these defence ties, indicating a willingness to expand cooperation in high-level exchanges, military education, cybersecurity, and healthcare services within the armed forces.
Both nations agreed to maintain close coordination to build upon the mutual trust and regional stability they have cultivated, aiming for long-term strategic cooperation that benefits both countries. This commitment to deepening defence ties reflects the robust and multifaceted partnership that continues to evolve between Việt Nam and Japan.