Koizumi Attends 13th ADMM-Plus
Overview
On October 29, 2026, the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) was held in Cebu, Philippines, with Defense Minister Koizumi in attendance. During discussions on regional and international security issues, Minister Koizumi described ASEAN’s unity, centrality, and resilience as an international public good and proposed “Three S” principles for regional stability. He also addressed Japan’s review of restrictions on defense equipment transfers and the planned revision of three security-related documents by the end of the year, stating that Japan would maintain its exclusively defense-oriented policy, the rule of law, transparency, and respect for sovereignty. The meeting adopted a joint statement on “Youth, Peace and Security” under Philippine leadership.
Key points
- Defense Minister Koizumi proposed the “Three S” principles as a foundation for regional stability.
- The minister described changes to defense policy while stating that Japan would maintain its exclusively defense-oriented policy, the rule of law, transparency, and respect for sovereignty.
- The meeting adopted a joint statement on “Youth, Peace and Security.”
Overview
On October 29, 2026, the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) was held in Cebu, Philippines, and Defense Minister Koizumi attended from Japan. Defense ministers and other participants exchanged views on regional and international security issues.
Minister Koizumi presented Japan’s vision of a region where freedom of the seas and air is upheld under international law, differences are managed through dialogue, and each country can choose its own path. He identified ASEAN’s unity, centrality, and resilience as prerequisites for that vision.
Impact
A joint statement on “Youth, Peace and Security” was adopted under the leadership of the Philippines, the chairing country.
Details
The minister proposed the Three S principles as a foundation for a stable region. See Clearly means understanding the situation independently; Sustain Together means building capacity to prepare for crises; and Speak Directly means engaging in direct dialogue. Citing the transfer of radar equipment to the Philippines, he said Japan would provide support from education and training through maintenance and servicing. He explained that the 2022 Tonga eruption disrupted an undersea cable, delaying situational awareness and relief efforts, and said Japan would support the effective operation of the ASEAN Direct Communications Infrastructure (ADI).
The minister said that ADMM-Plus and its Expert Working Groups (EWGs) are essential to realizing the Three S principles. At the Japan-ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting the previous day, participants affirmed the importance of strengthening ASEAN-led EWGs, and Japan expressed its determination to contribute.
The minister said that Japan reviewed restrictions on defense equipment transfers this spring. The three documents, including the National Security Strategy, are scheduled to be revised and announced by the end of the year, and he indicated that he intends to explain them to other countries. He said Japan’s defense and regional contribution capabilities would change, while its exclusively defense-oriented policy, the rule of law, transparency, and respect for sovereignty would remain unchanged.