Vietnam's Defence Minister Strengthens Regional Ties at ADMM+ Forum

Vietnam's top defence official engaged in a series of strategic bilateral meetings on October 28 during the ADMM-20 and 13th ADMM+ forums, reinforcing the country's defence partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region.

The Defence Minister held separate talks with the United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, as well as defence ministers from Australia, Japan, and the Philippines. These meetings underscored Vietnam's commitment to regional security cooperation and multilateral defence engagement in Southeast Asia.

Vietnam's participation in the ADMM+ framework reflects its broader role in advancing collective security initiatives in the region. The meetings with key defence partners highlighted shared interests in maritime security, peacekeeping operations, and regional stability.

The ADMM+ forum, which brings together defence ministers from ASEAN and dialogue partners, serves as a critical platform for addressing transnational security challenges and building consensus on regional defence priorities. Vietnam's engagement demonstrates its active contribution to multilateral defence cooperation in Southeast Asia.

Photo: US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Vietnam's Minister of National Defence Phan Văn Giang exchange documents at the 13th ADMM-Plus in Cebu, Philippines, 28 October 2026. Master Sgt. Brycen Guerrero, US Air Force, via Wikimedia Commons (public domain).