TOKYO - Japan and Vietnam agreed Monday to begin talks on the joint development and production of high-speed landing craft as the two countries seek to strengthen defense ties amid growing regional security challenges.
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang, who also serves as deputy prime minister, reached the agreement in a meeting in Tokyo.
The two sides agreed to work toward greater cooperation in the defense sector, including the possible joint development and production of the vessels.
Koizumi told Giang that China's military activities are a "serious concern for the international community," referring to China's test launch of a submarine-launched ballistic missile on July 6.
The two ministers agreed on the importance of respecting freedom of navigation and overflight and opposing attempts to unilaterally change the status quo through force or coercion in ways inconsistent with the international order.
They also agreed to promote cooperation in areas including cybersecurity and to contribute to regional peace and stability.
"We want to turn the shared understanding on defense cooperation reached by our leaders into concrete actions and develop a relationship befitting our comprehensive strategic partnership," Giang said, citing Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's visit to Vietnam in May.
Earlier Monday, Giang met with Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara at the prime minister's office, where they agreed to coordinate on regional issues, including the situation in the Middle East and North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.
