First Defense Ministerial-Level Talks Between Japan, US, Australia and Philippines

Defense ministers from Japan, the United States, Australia and the Philippines met on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore on June 3.

From left: Defense Ministers of Australia, Japan, the Philippines and the US at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 3. (Source: Twitter)

At the first Defense Ministerial-level talks of the four countries, Japanese Defense Minister Hamada Yasukazu and his counterparts Lloyd Austin (US), Richard Marles (Australia) and Carlito Galvez (Philippines) agreed to strengthen security cooperation to promote a free and open Indo- Pacific region.

Affirming that "they have a vision of a free and open Indo- Pacific and are working together to ensure that vision continues to thrive", the ministers also discussed regional issues of mutual concern and opportunities for expanding cooperation.

Earlier in the day, Minister Hamada Yasukazu and his US and Australian counterparts held a private meeting, pledging to increase the number of joint exercises.

Also on June 3, at a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, Japanese Defense Minister Hamada Yasukazu expressed “deep concerns” over the continued joint military activities between China and Russia in the area surrounding Japan. The two sides agreed to operate the defense hotline between the two countries in a reasonable manner.

Organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the 20th Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD20) took place in Singapore with the participation of over 550 delegates, including defense and security leaders and academic experts from 41 countries.

The delegation of the Ministry of National Defense of Vietnam was led by Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, member of the Party Central Committee, member of the Central Military Commission, and Deputy Minister of National Defense, attending the conference.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/dam-phan-cap-bo-truong-quoc-phong-dau-tien-giua-nhat-ban-my-australia-va-philippines-229614.html