Japan-Singapore Defense Ministers’ Meeting
Overview
On October 28, 2026, Defense Minister Koizumi, who was visiting the Philippines to attend the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), met with Singapore’s Defense Minister Chan. The ministers agreed to advance defense cooperation by deepening cooperation between their navies and continuing discussions on possible cooperation between their armies and air forces and in defense equipment. They also affirmed their intention to strengthen bilateral and multilateral coordination in addressing regional and international challenges and promoting regional peace and stability.
Key points
- Defense Minister Koizumi met with Singapore’s Defense Minister Chan.
- The ministers agreed to further advance defense cooperation.
- The ministers affirmed their intention to strengthen coordination through multilateral cooperation as well as bilateral cooperation.
Overview
The meeting took place on October 28, 2026, between Defense Minister Koizumi, who was visiting the Philippines to attend the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), and Singapore’s Defense Minister Chan.
Minister Koizumi said he wanted to strengthen defense cooperation with Singapore, an important partner in jointly addressing regional and international challenges amid an increasingly severe security environment. Minister Chan responded that Japan was a trusted partner and that he wanted to continue close coordination.
Details
The ministers welcomed the reciprocal port calls by the two countries’ naval vessels in the 60th anniversary year of the establishment of diplomatic relations, and the first joint exercise, “SINGAPAN,” held in August. They also praised the maintenance of communication between their defense authorities and the holding of regular ministerial consultations, as agreed at the defense ministers’ meeting in May.
The ministers agreed to further advance defense cooperation by deepening cooperation between their navies and continuing discussions on possible cooperation between their armies and air forces and in defense equipment.
With Singapore’s assumption of the ASEAN chairmanship next year in mind, Minister Koizumi said he wanted to strengthen coordination through multilateral cooperation as well as bilaterally and contribute to regional peace and stability. Minister Chan strongly agreed.