One of the key elements to regional peace and stability is defence. Its critical role in maintaining national security and the ability to muster assets and capabilities is assumed by the military.  In the international setting, there has been an increasing recognition of the role of regional cooperation in promoting confidence among defence establishments. 

ASEAN established the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) in 2006 and expanded it to engage its Dialogue Partners, through the ADMM-Plus in 2010.