“Promoting defense ties with other countries to boost its capabilities in sovereignty protection and in settlement of common security challenges” is a new point in the white paper.

Vietnam emphasizes self-sufficiency and reaffirms the "Three No's" policy which is now added with one point: not use force or threaten to use force in international relations.

The project shows the two former war foes' efforts to address war legacies.

Vietnam has appeared to be a valuable partner for Washington in the Indo-Pacific region amid China’s militarization of islands in the South China Sea.

The expo is expected to welcome the participation of defense ministers of ASEAN and its partners.