SYDNEY — Australia and Vietnam have agreed to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership by signing cooperation agreements spanning defence, agriculture, and border security on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

During Vietnamese President To Lam's official visit to Australia, both countries expressed concern about restrictive trade practices disrupting global supply chains. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President Lam highlighted this in a joint statement.

The two nations agreed to strengthen cooperation on supply chains in critical areas such as minerals, semiconductors, and clean energy. They also witnessed the exchange of a memorandum of understanding between the Vietnam Coast Guard and the Australian Border Force to enhance maritime law enforcement collaboration.

Additionally, Vietnam's government announced a separate agreement to boost cooperation and mutual assistance between the two countries' border forces.

President Lam emphasized the need for countries to "strengthen dialogue, build trust, ensure security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight, and settle disputes by peaceful means in accordance with international law," during a joint media appearance with Prime Minister Albanese.

Australia regularly deploys naval vessels and surveillance aircraft in the South China Sea as part of its Indo-Pacific operations. Earlier in April 2026, Australia joined Canada and the United States in a multilateral transit through the contested waterway, where Vietnam, China, and other countries have overlapping territorial claims.

Bilateral trade between Australia and Vietnam rose 22% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, reaching US$8.1 billion. Vietnam mainly exports electronics, smartphones, and garments to Australia, while importing coal, minerals, and natural gas.

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