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Shangri-La Dialogue: Vietnam's To Lam Warns of Three Global Crises in Keynote Speech

President To Lam delivered a historic keynote at the Shangri‑La Dialogue, framing the current international landscape as dominated by three interlocking crises – a deteriorating order, strained development models, and eroding strategic trust. He argued that these challenges threaten peace, stability and growth, especially in the Asia‑Pacific, where maritime routes, supply chains and digital infrastructure are increasingly contested. The speech underscored Vietnam’s strategic pivot: diversifying defense procurement away from Russia, deepening multilateral ties, and positioning the country as an ASEAN‑centric middle power. To Lam linked these diplomatic moves to Vietnam’s long‑term ambition of attaining high‑income status by 2045, emphasizing the need for investment, digital transformation and AI cooperation. Notable remarks highlighted the paradox of a world that is “more connected yet more vulnerable” and called for a shared, rules‑based vision, rapid crisis‑communication channels, and transparent norms to curb misperception. He warned that without such mechanisms, minor incidents could spiral into larger confrontations. The address signals Vietnam’s rising diplomatic confidence and offers a cue for allies and investors: a more proactive Hanoi seeking security partnerships, economic integration and a stable regional order, which could reshape defense and trade dynamics across Southeast Asia.