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Ministry of Defence
Replies To Media Query

Reply to Media Query on ADMM-Plus Initiatives

2 November 2026

Singapore looks forward to working with ASEAN Member States and our Plus partners to strengthen defence cooperation and address shared security challenges.

Singapore supports the Plus countries' commitment to constructively engage the ADMM through different formats and channels, in addition to regular ADMM-Plus meetings and activities.

Overarching frameworks such as the Japan-ASEAN Ministerial Initiative for Enhanced Defence Cooperation (JASMINE)[1] and Australia’s 2020 Vision for Defence Engagement with ASEAN[2], informal Ministerial meetings on the sidelines of the ADMM and ADMM-Plus[3], maritime exercises with China, India, Russia and the US,[4] as well as capacity-building activities like the ASEAN-China Mid-and-Junior Officer Exchange and others with the Republic of Korea and New Zealand,[5] complement the ADMM and ADMM-Plus and reaffirm the open and inclusive nature of the ASEAN-led regional security architecture.

Next year marks the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN-US Dialogue Relations. As ADMM Chair in 2027, Singapore looks forward to facilitating the US' proposal for an ASEAN-US Framework on Defence Cooperation alongside other initiatives.[6] Singapore will work with the US and other ASEAN Member States to develop a mutually beneficial framework for all parties to work together in response to shared challenges and concerns.

[1] The Japan-ASEAN Ministerial Initiative for Enhanced Defence Cooperation (2023) broadly encompasses four objectives, namely to: (a) create a security environment that does not allow for any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion; (b) continue and expand ASEAN-Japan defence cooperation; (c) pursue further friendship and opportunities between Japan and ASEAN defence officials; and (d) support defence cooperation between ASEAN, Japan, and the Pacific Island countries.

[2] Australia’s 2020 Vision for Defence Engagement with ASEAN (2020) laid out six core principles – (a) mutual respect; (b) ASEAN Centrality; (c) supporting sovereignty; (d) addressing areas of shared priority; (e) transparency; and (f) respect for international law and norms – and eight areas of focus – (i) education and training; (ii) women, peace and security; (iii) peacekeeping; (iv) countering terrorism; (v) maritime security; (vi) military medicine; (vii) humanitarian assistance and disaster relief; and (viii) promoting communication, cooperation and interoperability.

[3] The ADMM may engage individual Plus countries on the sidelines of ADMM/ADMM-Plus meetings through Ministerial meetings to discuss salient issues or to commemorate anniversary years. Most recent examples include: (a) 2026 - ASEAN+US Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting (DMIM) and ASEAN+Japan DMIM; (b) 2025 – ASEAN+India DMIM, ASEAN+Japan DMIM, ASEAN+US Ministerial High Tea, and ASEAN+China Ministerial Luncheon; and (c) 2024 – ASEAN+Australia Defence Ministerial Commemorative Engagement, ASEAN+ROK Defence Ministerial Commemorative Engagement, ASEAN+US DMIM, and ASEAN+China DMIM.

[4] Together with individual Plus countries, the ADMM has conducted: (a) 2026 – 2nd ASEAN-India Maritime Exerise (AIME); (b) 2025 – 2nd ASEAN-US Maritime Exercise (AUMX); (c) 2023 – 1st AIME; (d) 2021 – 1st ASEAN-Russia Naval Exercise; (e) 2019 – 1st AUMX; and (f) 2018 – 1st ASEAN China Maritime Exercise (ACME). In 2027, the ADMM will conduct the 2nd ACME, and 1st ASEAN-ROK Maritime Exercise.

[5] These include the: (a) Indonesia – Japan AOIP DP Conference on Maritime Cooperation and Connectivity (2024); (b) Malaysia – Australia AOIP DP Conference on Maritime Cybersecurity (2025); (c) US-ACICE Cyber Capacity Building Course (2026); (d) Thailand – Republic of Korea Defence Industry Conference (2026); (e) Philippines – India AOIP DP Conference on Maritime Security Resilience Amidst Emerging Technologies Conference (2026); (f) NZ’s Defence Policymakers Course for ASEAN Partners which runs annually; and (g) China’s ASEAN-China Mid-And-Junior Officer Exchange which runs annually. Japan also conducts programmes under JASMINE.

[6] In 2027, the ADMM will conduct the (a) 2nd ASEAN-China Maritime Exercise; (b) 1st ASEAN-ROK Maritime Exercise; and (c) Philippines – India AOIP DP Conference on Maritime Security Resilience Amidst Emerging Technologies Conference (2027).