Australia, Vietnam expand military ties amid China build-up

Australia and Vietnam said on Tuesday they would expand cooperation between their militaries, including on maritime security and joint training, after talks in Canberra between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vietnamese leader To Lam.

Albanese said the two countries' defence industries and defence forces were cooperating more. He said an “uncertain world” made it more important for friends to engage on economic, social and environmental issues as well as security.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said the deeper cooperation with Vietnam would “directly contribute to the stability and security of our region”.

The announcement came as both countries face China's growing military build-up in the region. Vietnam is one of several countries with competing claims in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims almost entirely despite an international ruling that its claim has no legal basis. Australia is expanding its defence forces and hosting a growing US military presence.

Canberra and Hanoi also announced other agreements, including a commitment to deepen economic resilience and restart market access for Australian game meat, including kangaroo, to Vietnam.