Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024: Affirming the mark of defense diplomacy and collaboration with major powers

The Vietnam Defense International Expo 2024 continues to promote defense industry cooperation while building the brand of the Vietnam Defense Exhibition. (Photo: Pham Hien)

On November 19, during the press conference introducing the Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024, the organizing committee addressed reporters' questions regarding defense diplomacy and cooperation activities.

What are the significance and key highlights of the Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024 compared to its inaugural event in 2022?

The Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024 is pivotal in defense diplomacy and international cooperation in defense technology. It also serves as an opportunity to showcase Vietnam's independent, self-reliant, and multilateral foreign policy, promoting peace, cooperation, and development.

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This year’s event continues to foster defense industry collaboration while building a strong brand for the Vietnam Defence Expo.

In addition, defense enterprises and international delegations, including strategic and comprehensive partners as well as ASEAN countries, are expected to participate extensively and actively, surpassing the scale of the 2022 exhibition.

Notably, this year’s exhibition coincides with the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (1944-2024) and the 35th anniversary of the All-People National Defence Festive Day (1989-2024). This expands the scope of the event beyond defense technology, honoring the history and development of the Vietnam People’s Army.

The event will also feature a variety of side activities, including official visits, defense policy dialogues, and bilateral meetings, further enhancing Vietnam's defense diplomacy and international cooperation across various fields.

How does the Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024 differ from similar events in China and Singapore?

Annual defense expos in China and Singapore are tailored to their respective strengths and goals.

China, with its advanced defense industry and status as a leading arms exporter, focuses on showcasing products and enhancing its global position. Singapore, as an international financial hub, leverages its strengths in finance and logistics to support arms trade agreements.

Vietnam International Defence Expo, held biennially, is not yet an annual event. Its continuity depends on evaluations by the Ministry of National Defence. The 2024 exhibition aims to facilitate exchanges, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing among defense manufacturers, contributing to global peace and stability.

The Ministry of National Defence has also actively participated in other international exhibitions, not only to present Vietnam’s defense products but also to highlight its culture and people. Vietnam seeks cooperation in developing self-defense weapons, safeguarding the homeland, and establishing its position in the global defense industry.

Over the years, Russia has consistently been the largest arms supplier to Vietnam. However, with the Russia-Ukraine conflict dragging on for nearly three years, has this impacted Russia's ability to supply and maintain weapons for Vietnam?

Vietnam’s deep integration into the global economy inevitably involves exposure to impacts from the conflict, including on trade and military procurement.

However, the Vietnam People’s Army has a history of using weapons sourced from Russia and Ukraine, supported by a technical maintenance system. Despite the prolonged conflict, these weapons remain within the military's maintenance plans.

Vietnam considers Russia and Ukraine as traditional partners and urges efforts to end the conflict, restore peace, and ensure global security.

Does Vietnam plan to procure weapons from major powers participating in the expo?

Vietnam adheres to a policy of multilateralism and diversification in its international relations. The Vietnam International Defence Expo, a multilateral defense diplomacy event, is expected to welcome over 140 international enterprises.

The presence of leading defense powers such as Russia, China, the United States, and Iran provides an opportunity for Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defence to study advanced defense products and technologies. The ministry will select items suited to Vietnam’s operational methods, terrain, force structure, and financial capacity. Based on these criteria, Vietnam will express its interest and intention to collaborate with relevant enterprises.

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