South Korea agrees to expand defence cooperation with Singapore and Vietnam, focusing on personnel exchanges, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, senior-level defence dialogue and updated bilateral security frameworks.
South Korea seeks to strengthen its defence partnerships with Singapore and Vietnam through expanded cooperation in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, personnel exchanges and security dialogue. South Korean Defence Minister Kang Shin-chul holds separate meetings with his Singaporean and Vietnamese counterparts on October 29, 2026, on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, the Philippines.
During discussions with Singapore Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing, both sides review progress in bilateral defence relations and express satisfaction with the expansion of cooperation following the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries in November 2025. The ministers agree to strengthen engagement in several areas, particularly military personnel exchanges, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
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The discussions reflect the growing importance of technological collaboration in defence and security. Cooperation in cybersecurity and AI is expected to create opportunities for knowledge sharing, institutional engagement and the development of capabilities to address emerging security challenges. Both countries also seek to build on their existing strategic partnership through continued dialogue and practical initiatives.
In a separate meeting with Vietnamese Defence Minister Phan Van Giang, Kang agrees to accelerate bilateral defence cooperation by arranging the annual senior-level defence talks at the earliest opportunity. The two sides also agree to pursue revisions to their 2010 memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation. The proposed update aims to reflect changes in the regional security environment and the evolving nature of bilateral relations.
South Korea and Vietnam established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022, marking the 30th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. The revised defence cooperation framework is expected to provide a stronger foundation for continued engagement and coordination between their defence establishments.
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Regional security developments also feature in Kang’s discussions with both counterparts. He highlights North Korea’s launch of short-range ballistic missiles towards the East Sea on October 29, describing the development as a security concern for the Korean Peninsula and the wider region. He also seeks international cooperation over a September 21 mine explosion south of the Military Demarcation Line that injures three South Korean soldiers. North Korea denies responsibility for the incident.
The meetings underline South Korea’s efforts to strengthen defence engagement across Southeast Asia while addressing emerging security challenges. Expanded cooperation with Singapore and Vietnam in technology, personnel exchanges and institutional dialogue also supports broader regional security coordination.