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

Why It Matters

To Lam’s warning spotlights systemic risks that could destabilize the Indo‑Pacific, while Vietnam’s proactive diplomatic push offers new partnership opportunities for businesses and security actors alike.

Key Takeaways

• To Lam warns of three converging global crises at Shangri-La
• Vietnam seeks multilateral partnerships to reduce reliance on Russian arms
• President emphasizes ASEAN centrality and Vietnam’s high‑income 2045 goal
• Calls for new rules‑based framework to rebuild strategic trust
• Highlights tech‑driven risks and need for transparent communication channels

Summary

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.

Original Description

The Shangri-La Dialogue — Asia's premier defence summit — has officially opened in Singapore. Ministers and top defence officials are set to discuss the most-pressing issues in security and share responses on policy. Vietnamese President To Lam delivered the keynote — his first major international address on foreign policy since taking office in April. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will be opening Saturday's first plenary session, with remarks focused on the Trump administration's stance on the Indo-Pacific. Leong Wai Kit reports from Singapore.