Australia, Vietnam boost military ties in nod to China

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vietnamese President To Lam signed documents expanding military cooperation between the two nations during a meeting in Canberra. The two countries pledged to work more closely together on maritime security and conduct joint training exercises as they face the growing influence of China in the Pacific and South China Sea.

Albanese stated that their defense industries and forces are increasingly collaborating. The Vietnamese leader's visit coincides with both nations resisting China's military expansion in the region. Vietnam, like several other claimants in the South China Sea, disputes Beijing's expansive territorial claims despite an international ruling that its assertions lack legal standing.

Australia is simultaneously expanding its defense capabilities and welcoming a larger U.S. military presence to counter China's buildup. The deepened cooperation with Vietnam is expected to bolster regional stability and security, according to Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles. The announcement coincided with other agreements between Canberra and Hanoi, such as reinforcing economic resilience and reopening market access for Australian game meat products like kangaroo to Vietnam.