The 19th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and 12th ADMM-Plus concluded with a renewed push for closer regional cooperation, as ASEAN nations adopted 11 new commitments to address cybersecurity threats, maritime tensions, and the protection of undersea infrastructure.
Held under the theme “ASEAN Unity for Security and Prosperity”, the meeting reaffirmed ADMM’s role as a key platform for dialogue and collaboration, in line with ASEAN’s vision of a cohesive and resilient community.
Timor-Leste joins as 11th member, to participate at own pace
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said one of this year’s milestones was the participation of Timor-Leste as the 11th ASEAN member in ADMM and ADMM-Plus.
He said bilateral cooperation between Malaysia and Timor-Leste would focus on developing defence and security capabilities, but noted that the new member would be given time to build capacity before joining joint exercises.
“We will give them space to participate according to their ability, while continuing to encourage involvement in military or maritime exercises when ready. We do not want Timor-Leste to feel burdened after joining ASEAN,” he said at a press conference after the meeting at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Malaysia, US sign first defence MoU
Malaysia and the United States also signed their first Defence Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking over four decades of security cooperation.
The agreement was inked during a bilateral meeting between Khaled and US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of ADMM-Plus. Both sides also renewed their Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) and pledged to finalise other accords on communications, information sharing and geospatial cooperation.
In a joint statement, both nations reaffirmed the importance of maintaining maritime security in the South China Sea and respecting national sovereignty.
Kuala Lumpur Declaration reaffirms regional unity
The meeting also saw Khaled hand over the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration to ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn, symbolising the bloc’s shared commitment to peace, stability and prosperity.
He said the declaration reflected ASEAN’s collective resolve to strengthen unity and cooperation towards a peaceful, forward-looking future.
“Throughout our discussions, one clear message emerged - ASEAN’s strength does not lie in power or dominance, but in the spirit of cooperation and dialogue,” he said in his closing remarks.
ASEAN–China ties remain key to stability
Khaled underscored that close cooperation between ASEAN and China remains central to ensuring that Southeast Asia continues to be peaceful, stable and prosperous.
He highlighted China’s initiatives - the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI) and Global Governance Initiative (GGI) - as comprehensive efforts to promote peace, sustainable growth and mutually beneficial cooperation.
“These initiatives clearly demonstrate that China’s policies are not solely focused on its own progress, but also reflect its desire to see other nations prosper,” he said during the ASEAN–China Defence Ministers’ Luncheon.
He added that ASEAN views China not only as a strategic partner but as a driving force and catalyst for global prosperity.
“We hope China will continue to uphold international law, promote peacebuilding efforts, and help prevent conflicts before they arise,” he said.
11 new ADMM-Plus commitments
The following day, senior defence leaders from eight ADMM-Plus dialogue partners - the US, Australia, China, New Zealand, Russia, India, Japan and South Korea - joined ASEAN counterparts to adopt 11 new commitments marking the 15th anniversary of ADMM-Plus.
These include measures to:
Strengthen practical cooperation through the Experts’ Working Groups (EWG);
Enhance information sharing via the ASEAN Direct Communications Infrastructure (ADI); and
Recognise 15 years of ADMM-Plus cooperation under the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Blueprint 2025.
In a joint statement, ministers pledged to maintain ADMM-Plus’ relevance in addressing complex security challenges and ensuring continued peace in Southeast Asia.
Philippines assumes chairmanship
Malaysia’s chairmanship concluded with 20 initiatives approved - the highest number in ADMM and ADMM-Plus history.
Khaled said this achievement reflected the strong spirit of cooperation among the 603 delegates from 19 countries who attended this year’s meetings.
The chairmanship was officially handed to the Philippines, represented by its Secretary of National Defence Gilberto Teodoro Jr, who thanked Malaysia for its “exemplary leadership and valuable guidance” throughout the year.
