ADMM-Plus 2025

By AUFA MARDHIAH

CHINA has reaffirmed its commitment to expedite the completion of the Code of Conduct (COC) for the South China Sea.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the pledge was conveyed during the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Kuala Lumpur, where regional leaders discussed ongoing efforts to preserve stability and manage maritime disputes through dialogue.

“China has given its commitment to move forward with the Code of Conduct, and ASEAN member states welcomed this as a positive step towards ensuring lasting peace in the South China Sea,” he told reporters at a press conference today.

Khaled said the discussions reflected ASEAN’s consistent position that all disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Additionally, he said Malaysia and other ASEAN member states view the COC as an important framework to build trust, prevent escalation, and safeguard freedom of navigation and overflight in the contested waters.

“The South China Sea must remain a sea of peace, stability and cooperation,” he added.

Concurrently, he said the US reaffirmed its role as a Pacific nation and pledged to continue supporting ASEAN’s efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.

Khaled said Malaysia welcomes Washington’s support but stressed that any cooperation must remain under the ADMM and ADMM-Plus frameworks, guided by ASEAN Centrality and the bloc’s collective commitment to peace and prosperity.

He added that despite overlapping claims, ASEAN continues to engage all parties constructively to avoid confrontation and uphold regional unity.

Khaled said the progress of the COC negotiations, together with the reaffirmed commitments under the ADMM-Plus, demonstrated ASEAN’s capacity to maintain its central role in regional security discussions.

“The ADMM-Plus continues to serve as a crucial platform for constructive engagement between ASEAN and its dialogue partners,” he said.

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By HIDAYATH HISHAM

MALAYSIA has officially handed over the chairmanship of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus to the Philippines after what was described as the most productive year in the platform’s history.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Malaysia’s tenure saw the signing and adoption of 20 major initiatives — the largest number since the establishment of ADMM and ADMM-Plus — reflecting ASEAN’s growing unity and strategic cooperation in defence and security.

“I could not be prouder of what we have achieved together. This year’s meetings have not only been productive, but they have surpassed our expectations,” he said at the ADMM and ADMM-Plus Chairmanship Handover Ceremony in Kuala Lumpur today.

He said the meetings brought together more than 600 delegates from 19 nations, encompassing diverse perspectives and deep discussions that strengthened ASEAN’s collective resolve.

“From working-level discussions to senior officials’ meetings, and to this week’s ministerial engagements, our cooperation has been deep, meaningful, and inspiring,” he said.

He said Malaysia’s chairmanship was not only about policies and outcomes, but also about fostering friendship, understanding, and the ASEAN family spirit that underpins regional unity.

Khaled expressed gratitude to all ASEAN member states, partners and the ASEAN Secretariat for their support and trust, saying Malaysia’s success as chair was a shared achievement for the entire region.

“The success of this year’s ADMM and ADMM-Plus is not Malaysia’s alone. It is our success, ASEAN’s success,” he said.

He said Malaysia had built upon the strong foundations laid by past chairs, continuing the region’s long-term effort to strengthen collective defence and promote peace.

“We cannot do miracles. One year is not enough to accomplish everything. What matters is continuity, to carry on the unfinished and unending mission of building a sustainable legacy for the ASEAN Community,” he said.

Khaled reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to ASEAN centrality and unity, urging member states to continue “thinking ASEAN, acting ASEAN, and behaving ASEAN.”

“As we pass the torch to our dear friend, the Philippines, Malaysia gives its full and unwavering support. 

“We have every confidence that the Philippines will continue to lead with the same spirit of dedication, integrity, and unity,” he said.

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By AUFA MARDHIAH

JAPAN has outlined new initiatives to deepen defence cooperation with ASEAN, focusing on humanitarian assistance and maritime security. 

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Japan has put forward several ideas to enhance cooperation with ASEAN, including through new frameworks such as the Japan–ASEAN Ministerial Initiative for Enhanced Defence Cooperation and the One Cooperative Effort Among Nations.

The proposals were presented during the ASEAN–Japan Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting held on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 1.

Attending on behalf of Japan was its Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (picture).

Khaled said the initiatives aim to strengthen collaboration in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), maritime security, and defence capacity-building across ASEAN member states.

“These efforts reflect Japan’s commitment to supporting ASEAN’s readiness and resilience in maintaining regional peace and stability,” he told reporters at a press conference.

He further described Japan as a key partner for ASEAN, noting that member states welcomed Tokyo’s proposals as constructive steps toward a more secure and cooperative region.

“Japan remains a trusted defence partner for ASEAN, and these initiatives demonstrate our shared commitment to peace, stability and prosperity,” he said.

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BY HIDAYATH HISHAM

THE US said its recent nuclear capability test is a prudent measure to ensure the readiness of its defence system.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said this when speaking to the media before attending the ASEAN–US Defence Ministers’ High Tea today.

He said the test was part of efforts to assess the strength of the US’s highly advanced nuclear system.

“Conducting such capability tests is regarded as a reasonable and prudent move,” he told reporters briefly.

US President Donald Trump’s sudden directive to carry out a nuclear weapons test has raised concerns over growing global tensions among major powers.

The order was announced via his Truth Social account yesterday, ahead of his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.

When asked about the type of test to be conducted, Hegseth declined to elaborate but stressed that the US possesses a strong and effective nuclear capability.

He also dismissed claims that Washington has lost the trust of its strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

“I don’t think we’ve ever lost that trust. We continue to maintain a firm and consistent focus on the Indo-Pacific, preserving our longstanding presence. We never left, and we’re not going anywhere,” he said.

Hegseth also praised the close cooperation under the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) framework and the US’ strong ties with ASEAN countries, describing Malaysia as a beautiful and important nation in the region.

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By AUFA MARDHIAH 

THE ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) has pledged to strengthen peace and stability through an ASEAN-led regional security framework as it marked its 15th anniversary in Kuala Lumpur.

In a joint statement today, defence ministers from the 10 ASEAN countries and eight dialogue partners — Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia and the US — reaffirmed their commitment to regional cooperation and international law.

“The ADMM-Plus remains an open and inclusive framework that facilitates dialogue and practical cooperation on shared security concerns,” the ministers said in the joint statement.

They warned that growing geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty and transboundary threats require collective action to preserve regional peace.

The ministers stressed the importance of adhering to the UN Charter, ASEAN Charter, Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), while recognising the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) as the bloc’s own guide for cooperation.

The statement noted that the ADMM and ADMM-Plus have become key platforms for trust-building and defence cooperation since their establishment in 2010 and annualisation in 2017.

It also highlighted progress through seven Experts’ Working Groups (EWGs) in areas such as maritime security, humanitarian assistance, counter-terrorism and cyber security, which have enhanced coordination and capacity among member states.

Moving forward, the ministers agreed to deepen practical cooperation and capacity-building, strengthen information-sharing through the ASEAN Direct Communications Infrastructure (ADI), and widen participation via the new EWG Observership Programme.

They reaffirmed mutual respect for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, calling for restraint in activities that could heighten tensions and urging peaceful dispute resolution in accordance with international law.

The statement also expressed support for the ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint 2025 and ASEAN Vision 2045 to build a resilient, innovative and people-centred region.

The ministers commended 15 years of ADMM-Plus cooperation and welcomed the Philippines’ role as host of the 13th ADMM-Plus in 2026.

The ADMM’s official schedule in KL is expected to conclude on Nov 2, marking the end of this year’s series of high-level regional defence meetings.

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