Vietnamese President To Lam delivered the keynote address at the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 29, 2026, emphasizing urgent global security challenges and the role of Asia-Pacific in resolving them [1, 2, 3]. To Lam identified three converging global crises: the erosion of international rules and law, setbacks in development including climate change and slowing growth, and a crisis of trust among nations [4, 5, 6]. He stressed, “The three crises confronting our world today are not inevitable realities that we are bound to accept,” underscoring that these issues require active responses [2].

To Lam called for reinforcing international law, promoting dialogue, transparency, self-restraint, and cooperation to prevent conflicts from escalating, saying “The crisis of international orders shows that international law and self-restraint must be reinforced” [1, 4, 6]. He emphasized that the Asia-Pacific region is where these crises converge most visibly and must also become where solutions emerge, stating, “Precisely because it is where these challenges converge, the Asia-Pacific must also become where solutions emerge” [3, 5].

The president outlined Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification of international relations, and a defense policy adhering to “four nos”—no military alliances and no alignment against other countries [6]. He stressed the need for proactive risk reduction and practical cooperation mechanisms rather than reactive crisis responses [1, 6].

The Shangri-La Dialogue brings together defense ministers, generals, intelligence chiefs, diplomats, and analysts from countries including the US, Australia, Britain, France, and Japan [2, 4]. China’s delegation took a low-key approach, sending mostly PLA experts and scholars while senior commander Dong Jun was absent for the second year running [2, 4].

To Lam, 68, became Vietnam’s president in April 2026, adding to his role as Communist Party chief since August 2024, making him one of the most powerful Vietnamese leaders in decades [3, 7]. His address came at a time when the ongoing Middle East crisis contributes to global energy shortages and regional supply chain disruptions impacting Vietnam and neighbors [6].

The 23rd edition of the annual Asia security forum continues through May 31, 2026, providing a platform for dialogue among regional and global leaders on pressing security and geopolitical issues [2, 4].