Abstract: Strengthening security cooperation with Vietnam is an important part of Japans security strategy for Southeast Asia. In recent years, the Abe administration has established a positive security diplomacy mechanism through active summit diplomacy. It combines the “soft” and “hard” approaches to help Vietnam to enhance its military strength, and actively strengthens the security cooperation through many other ways, such as military exercises, strategic docking of ships and aircrafts. The Abe administrations deepening security cooperation with Vietnam has multiple strategic considerations, such as enhancing Japans influence on Asia Pacific security, balancing the rise of China and consolidating the achievements of Japans domestic security strategy adjustment. The deepening security cooperation promoted the improvement of JapanVietnam relations, but exacerbated tensions in the South China Sea to a certain extent, increased the pressure on China perimeter security. However, although there is a certain convergence of interests between Japan and Vietnam, their strategic demands are not exactly the same. There are also many restrictive factors in deepening security cooperation. We should pay attention to the strategic focus and resource deployment, boost our strategic confidence, strengthen cooperation with Vietnam, and defeat the scheme of Japan.

Key words: Abe administration, security cooperation, strategic diplomacy, JapanVietnam relationship