The 22nd ASEAN Chiefs of Defence Forces Meeting (ACDFM-22) opened in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on September 10, focusing on reinforcing regional solidarity and defence cooperation.
Speaking at the event, General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the General Staff of the Viet Nam People’s Army, underlined the common challenges facing ASEAN, stressing that member states can only overcome them through cooperation based on strategic trust, sincerity, and collective action. He emphasised that practical and effective military and defence cooperation is vital to enhancing strategic trust and maintaining peace and stability in the region. ASEAN, he said, must continue to promote its central role and strengthen unity through concrete actions.
Held under the theme “ASEAN Unity for Security and Prosperity”, the three-day meeting (September 9–12) aims to build ASEAN into a resilient and proactive community capable of addressing common security challenges. Timor-Leste’s participation as an observer marked an important step toward the status as ASEAN’s 11th member.
In his opening remarks, Gen. Tan Sri Hj Mohd Nizam bin Hj Jaffar, Chief of General Staff of the Malaysian Defence Force and Chair of ACDFM-22, welcomed the strong commitment of all member states. The meeting reaffirmed ASEAN defence leaders’ support for the ASEAN Vision 2025 and the shared benefits for all nations, regardless of size or economic capacity, he said.
A highlight of the event was the signing of a Joint Declaration by ASEAN Chiefs of Defence Forces and senior representatives. The declaration underscored consensus on building a resilient, secure, and stable regional community, while reaffirming the militaries’ commitment to maintaining peace and promoting prosperity across Southeast Asia. It also acknowledged complex security challenges, including maritime security, cybersecurity, terrorism, and climate-related disasters.
One of the declaration’s key points was the commitment to safeguarding peace, stability, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea/South China Sea. The participants reaffirmed the need to enhance mutual trust and called for the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC). They also called for the completion of a Code of Conduct (COC), in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
After the signing of the Joint Declaration, General Mohd Nizam officially handed over the ACDFM chairmanship to General Romeo S. Brawner Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that will host ACDFM-23 next year.
