Japan to Prevent Information Leaks in Joint Defence Project with Vietnam

Japan will take firm steps to protect its strategic defence technology as it plans the joint development and production of high-speed landing craft with Vietnam. Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated during a press conference in Tokyo on Friday that the measure responds to concerns regarding the close relationship between Vietnam and China. The concerns arose after Koizumi and Vietnamese Defence Minister Phan Van Giang agreed on Monday to begin talks on the joint defence equipment development project. When asked about the risk of technology leaks in the collaboration, Koizumi stressed that the Japanese government will work closely with the Vietnamese government to ensure the protection of technology belonging to Japanese companies. “We will continue to maintain close communication with the government of the recipient country and take all necessary steps, including through a strict screening process and proper management,” he said. The meeting between the two ministers earlier this week was an effort to strengthen defence ties between Japan and Vietnam amid growing regional security challenges. Koizumi told Giang that China’s military activities are a “serious concern for the international community,” referring to China’s ballistic missile launch test on 6 July. Both ministers agreed on the importance of respecting freedom of navigation and overflight between nations in the region, and opposed any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo through force or coercion in a manner inconsistent with international rules. They also agreed to enhance cooperation in various fields, including cybersecurity, and to contribute to regional peace and stability.