Vietnam’s Navy will have a submarine brigade in five to six years, confirmed Minister of National Defense Phung Quang Thanh on August 3, soon after he was re-elected to keep the post by the National Assembly.
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| Vietnam\'s Defense Minister Phung Quang Thanh |
The unit consists of six Kilo 636-class subs, he added.
The minister had a press conference today in Hanoi:
How will Vietnam build up a modern army in the coming time?
Building a strong army was mentioned in the 11th Party Congress of Vietnam, which focused on major arms as fortifying navy, air forces, communication, and electronic combat. It aims at strengthening management and defence to protect stability and peace.
Training a skillful military personnel to operate state-of-the-art weapons and equipment is also counted as one of the targets.
How will Vietnam invest for naval forces?
It depends on our economic ability. Vietnam has yet to produce modern weapons and military equipment, which are costly to import.
How about Vietnam’s plan of buying submarines and jet fighters?
It is part of Vietnam’s long-term project till 2020. But in 5-6 coming years, we will have a submarine brigade with six kilo 636-class subs.
Buying submarines, missiles, fighter jets and other equipment is for self-defence of Vietnam’s sovereignty. It’s definitely not meant as a menace to regional nations.
What are your comments about military build-up having taken place among nations in the region?
It is a common trend in the world that accompanies economic developments.
I don’t think it’s an arm race. Armies build up their strength to defend their sovereignty.
It’s a normal job of nations, including Vietnam.
Protecting fishermen at seas is also a task of defending sovereignty.
Defending security at sea and sovereignty is one of the political tasks of the army. Navy, maritime police and coastguard unit are Vietnam’s main forces taking over the task which includes rescue.
We will certainly protect our fishermen working lawfully at seas.
The army is responsible for providing aid to fishermen in case of mechanical troubles, accidents and risks.
Vietnam’s army has friendly relations with regional nations as Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, China and others.
Do Vietnam and ASEAN nations keep similarities in regional issues?
Yes in general. Unity among ASEAN nations plays an essential role in multilateral cooperation and sustaining stance of each nation.
Are other non-ASEAN nations, as the US, interested in the East Sea?
Geographical location of the East Sea has remained a strategic role for economic developments and other matters.
The US has announced to keep a neutral posture in territorial conflicts among regional nations, but the US has benefits in ensuring maritime freedom.
Regional nations have voiced different ideas on the involvement of the US in the region; some praise its positive role in the region while others say it makes the issue more complicated.
We believe that all nations have benefits in the East Sea, including power nations as the US. Despite sticking to various views, all nations share a common thing: peace and stability.