In light of China’s increasing military activities and the ever-changing situation surrounding the Korean Peninsula, instability in Asia’s security environment appears here to stay. In the face of this uncertainty, the Japanese government continues to reinforce its ties with the United States and other security partners under the Free and Open Indo-Pacific concept/strategy.

Against that backdrop, this project has been administered for 6 years since FY 2014. Notable outcomes include a successful exchange program between Japan and Vietnam, which has promoted mutual understanding between field rank officers from the Japanese Self Defense Forces and the Vietnamese People’s Army, gradually broadening the scope of mutual visits and facilitating opportunities for dialogue and consultation. In addition, the exchange program between Japan and South Korea has provided a venue for frank discussions among retired senior defense officials even as government-level exchanges came to a standstill, demonstrating the value of establishing robust alternative channels for communication through this project. These ongoing defense exchange programs contribute to Japan’s aim to create a desired security environment. 

Phase III of this project provides comprehensive cross-military exchange opportunities to emerging mid-tier officers (field officer level) of the Japanese Self Defense Forces and the People’s Army of Vietnam, as well as former high-ranking officials (retired general level) of the Japanese Self Defense Forces and the Republic of Korea Armed Forces. Through these efforts, this project seeks to promote mutual understanding among those involved in national defense to contribute to the peace and stability in Asia.

Hiroshi Sambyakugari​