Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Ministers and vice ministers from 68 countries engaged in in-depth discussions.

Presented solutions focused on confidence building and the use of technology

Emphasized strengthening international solidarity to effectively respond to North Korea’s nuclear threats

At the plenary sessions of the 2025 Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD), held at Lotte Hotel in Sogong-dong, Seoul on September 9, discussions focused on three pillars: easing geopolitical competition, de-escalating military tension, and strengthening security capabilities through emerging technologies. The importance of solidarity and cooperation within the international community was particularly emphasized. Panelists, comprising ministers and vice ministers from participating nations, highlighted multilateral cooperation and the responsible use of technology as common solutions and stressed the need to build a sustainable security order.

On September 9, at the plenary sessions of the 2025 Seoul Defense Dialogue held at the Lotte Hotel in Sogong-dong, Seoul, participants engaged in presentations and discussions.

Easing geopolitical competition

“South Korea is an important partner,” emphasizing close cooperation

At the Plenary Session 1 of the 2025 Seoul Defense Dialogue themed “Easing Geopolitical Rivalries and Restoring Strategic Stability,” participants focused on the grave threats posed by North Korea’s nuclear and missile advancements and its growing military cooperation with Russia. They stressed the necessity of international unity and cooperation to establish peace on the Korean Peninsula and foster mutual trust. Panelists concurred that, given our interconnected world, inclusive security and multilateral cooperation are crucial keys to achieving strategic stability.

The plenary session, presided over by Dr. Kim Ji-yun, senior researcher at Sogang University School of Social Sciences, featured panelists including Gilberto Teodoro, Secretary of National Defense of the Philippines; Ivan Anušić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the Republic of Croatia; and Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chair of the NATO Military Committee.

Secretary Teodoro stated, “The Philippines is not a pawn on the chessboard,” emphasizing the importance of autonomy for smaller countries within a geopolitical landscape dominated by superpowers. He then highlighted the rising geopolitical instability, reflected in the increasing challenges to the rules-based international order worldwide, including in the Indo-Pacific region. He said, “We need inclusive, responsible competition and dialogue grounded in international law,” emphasizing the importance of trust-based dialogue, responsible competition, and inclusive security that reflect the positions of nations through multilateralism and the active engagement of international organizations.

Secretary Teodoro expressed his commitment that the Philippines, as the Chair of ASEAN for next year, will preserve international order based on rules in the international community including the United Nations, and to continue to contribute to regional peace and stability.

Deputy Prime Minister Ivan Anušić stated, “South Korea and Croatia share a common bond,” emphasizing the importance of cooperation with South Korea in the Indo-Pacific region. He also referred to Croatia’s war experience, stating that the country understands the value of peace and security more deeply than most nations. He added that Croatia is committed to building a robust, modern, and efficient military.

He added, “Investment in the military ensures future stability,” and affirmed that Croatia will cooperate with South Korea and NATO in the defense industry and advanced technology.

Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chair of the NATO Military Committee, stated, “Today’s security threats are cross-border phenomena, and none of us can respond alone.” He pledged close cooperation with major partner nations in the Indo-Pacific, including South Korea.

Panelists highlighted emerging threats in cyberspace and space. Chair Dragone remarked that “cyberspace poses a new challenge” and stressed that allies must collaborate in the absence of established rules. He also emphasized that the responsible use of technology and confidence-building measures are essential.

In addition, panelists agreed that close cooperation and communication are critical to effectively respond to hybrid threats and misinformation. They emphasized the importance of sharing technologies related to information exchange, defense industry collaboration, and AI, drone, and air defense systems among major partner countries.

De-escalating military tensions

Exploring ways of building sustainable confidence

At the Plenary Session 2, moderated by Choi Yun-jeong, Senior Researcher at the Sejong Institute, panelists included high-ranking defense officials from North America and Oceania. They discussed “De-escalating Military Tension and Ways of Building Sustainable Confidence,” presenting practical cooperation measures to achieve peace and prosperity. These included adherence to international laws and norms, easing military tensions, and strengthening collective security.

Stefanie Beck, Deputy Minister of National Defense of Canada, stated, “It is important to prevent conflicts and engage in peaceful multilateral forums when there are differences in views.” Hoang Xuan Chien, Senior Lieutenant General and Deputy Minister of National Defense of Vietnam, emphasized, “To avoid a tragic situation where the foundation of our lives is destroyed, it is essential to build a cooperative system aimed at peace and stability.” He outlined principles for de-escalating military tension and building confidence, including adherence to international laws and transparency in the roles and policies of international organizations.

Hugh Jeffrey, Deputy Secretary of Strategy, Policy, and Industry at the Australian Department of Defense, also stated, “Investment by individual countries alone is not enough; maintaining a balance of power requires cooperative investment among allies.”

Strengthening security capability through new technologies

Presented policies and case studies by country and discussed the development of international rules

The Plenary Session 3 focused on “Strengthening Future Security through AI and Emerging Technologies.”

With Shin Seong-ho, Dean of the Graduate School of International Studies at Seoul National University, as moderator, panelists included Zaqy Mohamad, Senior Minister of State for Defense, Singapore; Esa Pulkkinen, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defense, Finland; and Johan Berggren, State Secretary to the Minister for Civil Defense, Ministry of Defense, Sweden.

Starting with sharing policies and case studies from various countries on using AI and new technologies to strengthen security capabilities, panelists discussed cooperative measures to ensure that the application of AI and emerging technologies in the defense sector does not undermine international security.

They also exchanged views on the development of international norms and governance frameworks for the responsible military use of AI.

A special session on global supply chain stability was held

Discussed eco-friendly and high-efficiency defense production systems

The plenary sessions of the 2025 Seoul Defense Dialogue culminated with a special session on “Global Supply Chain Stability and Resilient Defense Industry Ecosystem.”

At the Special Session presided over by Paik Wooyeal, Professor in the Department of Political Science and International Studies at Yonsei University, panelists included Cho Hyeon-gi, Director of the Office of Military Resources Management of the Ministry of National Defense of Korea; Darcie Draudt-Véjares, Korea Program Researcher at the Asian Program of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; Lorenzo Scarazzato, Researcher in the Arms Production Program at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI); and Professor Ramon Pacheco Pardo of King’s College London.

Panelists assessed vulnerabilities in the arms industry supply chain amid geopolitical conflicts and complex crises. They compared strategies of major countries and deliberated on ways to bolster supply chain resilience through joint procurement among partner nations and strategic buildup.

They also exchanged views on building eco-friendly, high-efficiency arms industry production systems that align with the future security environment and sustainability demands.

2025 SDD is the largest in scale

The 2025 Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD) is the largest in scale since its inception. The conference convened around 1,000 participants, including representatives from 68 countries, with defense ministers from five nations, vice defense ministers from eight, and officials from international organizations. Through the Seoul Defense Dialogue, the Defense Ministry can secure support from the international community for the government's security strategy and defense policy, while promoting international cooperation to achieve peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Bilateral meetings were held on the sidelines for ministers and vice ministers

On September 10, special sessions will be held focusing on “The Crisis of the Global Nuclear Order and Strengthening the Nonproliferation Regime” and “Civilian-Military Cooperation for Advanced Defense in the Era of Artificial Intelligence.” Bilateral meetings with ministers and vice ministers from major countries will also be held on the sidelines.

[2025 SDD] Participants unanimously agreed that inclusive security and multilateral cooperation are essential for achieving strategic stability.

 By Byeong-No, Yun <trylover@dema.mil.kr >

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