Japan to Prevent Information Leaks in Joint Defence Project with Vietnam

Tokyo (ANTARA) - Japan will take firm steps to protect its strategic defence technology as it plans to jointly develop and produce high-speed landing craft with Vietnam.

Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi told a press conference in Tokyo on Friday that the measures were a response to concerns about the close relationship between Vietnam and China.

The concerns emerged after Koizumi and Vietnamese Defence Minister Phan Van Giang agreed on Monday (13 July) to begin talks on the joint development of the defence equipment project.

When asked about the risk of technology leaks in the collaboration, Koizumi stressed that the Japanese Government would work closely with the Vietnamese Government to ensure the protection of technology owned by Japanese companies.

“We will continue to maintain close communication with the government of the technology-recipient country and take all necessary steps, including through a strict (partner) screening process and proper management,” he said.

The two ministers’ meeting earlier this week was part of efforts to strengthen defence ties between Japan and Vietnam amid rising regional security challenges.

Koizumi told Giang that China’s military activities were “a serious concern for the international community,” referring to China’s ballistic missile launch test on 6 July.

The two ministers agreed on the importance of respecting freedom of navigation and overflight between countries in the region, and of opposing attempts to unilaterally change the status quo through force or coercion in ways inconsistent with international rules.

They also agreed to enhance cooperation in various fields, including cybersecurity, and to contribute to regional peace and stability.

Source: Kyodo