Hanoi/Tokyo/Beijing – Japan has initiated steps to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN countries further to counter the threat from China’s growing expansionist strategy. Japan has signed a defence cooperation agreement with Vietnam, allowing Japan to provide arms and defence technology to Vietnam. Japanese Defence Minister’s arrival in Vietnam, while Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is still present in Vietnam, is noteworthy.
During his visit to Vietnam, Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi met the Phạm Minh Chính- Prime Minister of Vietnam, Defence Minister Phan Văn Giang and other senior officials. Defence cooperation agreements were signed between the two countries. Under the agreement, Japan will supply arms and defence technology to Vietnam and conduct joint military exercises. According to Japanese sources, Japan could be supplying warships to Vietnam. Last year, Japan signed an agreement to supply six patrol boats to Vietnam.
Over the past few months, China has stepped up its aggression to gain dominance in the Indo-Pacific region, including the South China Sea. The ambition is to gain full control of the South China Sea and the East China Sea. To counter the Chinese threat, Japan has proposed increasing defence spending and initiated military cooperation with other countries. Supplying arms and defence equipment to ASEAN member countries are considered part of the same plan.
Japan and Vietnam have issued a joint statement after signing the deal. The agreement highlights the importance of free movement and transit through the Indo-Pacific region. Japan has strongly criticized the unilateral and expansionist actions of China in the South China Sea. Japan will oppose such efforts, said Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi. The Defence Cooperation agreement with Vietnam is Japan’s third agreement with ASEAN countries. Japan has previously signed agreements with Indonesia and the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Chinese submarines have been spotted near the southern islands of Japan, according to the Japanese defence ministry. Previously, constant intrusions by Chinese warships near the Senkaku Islands in Japan have been reported.
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