Minister of Defense Koizumi’s Participation in the 13th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (Summary)
October 29, 2026
Ministry of Defense
On October 29, 2026, the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (hereinafter referred to as “ADMM-Plus”) was held in the Philippines (Cebu).
1. Speech by Minister of Defense Koizumi
Minister-level participants exchanged views on “Regional and International Security Issues”. An outline of statement by Minister of Defense Koizumi, who represented Japan at the meeting is as follows:
This year’s theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together,” could not ring truer for the Indo-Pacific.
The reality is stark: complex disasters, the shockwaves of conflicts, a rapidly deteriorating military balance. Even supply chains and undersea cables are being weaponized.
Japan is no exception. We, too, face a harsh reality every day. Just the day before yesterday (on Oct. 27), for example, in waters near our country, three warships and a paramilitary vessel passed through an important strait. This was an incident that we made public for the first time. I won’t go into the details here. But if any of you are interested, we are ready to share the details. I am aware that every country gathered here faces a wide range of challenges and threats.
Sharing a chart does not mean every ship sails the same course. It is to share where we want to go together. Against such a backdrop, Japan envisions a region of free seas and skies under international law; differences managed by dialogue, not force; and every nation with its own hand on the helm.
Its premise is ASEAN’s unity, centrality, and resilience, international public goods for us all. To protect them, Japan proposes three S’s.
First, See Clearly. If we cannot see, we cannot judge; if we cannot judge, autonomy slips away. The first step is eyes of our own. Our radar transfer to the Philippines is one example, and our support continues beyond delivery, from training to maintenance.
Second, Sustain Together. Capabilities matter only if they work in a crisis. When Tonga’s volcano erupted in 2022, severed undersea cables delayed situation awareness and relief. Layered crises demand layered responses.
Third, Speak Directly. If a serious incident occurs at sea tomorrow, can we make that first call without hesitation? Do we know the face on the other end? Dialogue is no magic, but it prevents misunderstanding and conflict. Japan will keep its seat at the table, and strongly support the Asean Direct Communications Infrastructure’s effective operation.
No country can achieve these S’s alone. The pivot is the ADMM-Plus, and its engine is the EWGs. Yesterday, we confirmed the importance of strengthening them under ASEAN’s leadership. Japan is determined to help.
Let me also speak about Japan’s responsibility. This spring, we revised restrictions on defence equipment transfers. Our three security documents, including the National Security Strategy, will be revised and announced this year.
What changes is our capacity to defend ourselves and contribute to this region. What does not change is our postwar path as a peace-loving nation, and our respect for the rule of law, transparency, and sovereignty.
Above all, our exclusively defence-oriented policy will never change. To uphold it, we will strengthen our capability to deny threats. Every country should be able to defend itself and choose its own future. Japan will support that, and lead by example in transparency.
I’d be happy to explain about our strategic review myself, to every country here, once finalized: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam; Australia, China, India, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States. Please feel free to call on me any time.
ASEAN draws the chart; each of us brings our strengths. Japan will continue to be a sincere and transparent partner.
“Let us navigate our future, together.”
Thank you very much.
2. Joint Statement by the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus on Youth, Peace and Security
At the meeting, under the leadership of the Philippines as Chair, the Joint Statement on Youth, Peace and Security was adopted.
The full text of the Joint Statement is available here.
