Vietnamese President Calls for Dialogue and Restraint as Asia's Largest Security Conference Opens – Demonstrating Presence as a Leading Nation in Peacebuilding

On May 29, 2026, at the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore, General Secretary and President To Lam of Vietnam delivered the keynote address for the first time as a Vietnamese leader. This appearance at Asia's largest security forum marks a historic milestone, showing that Vietnam is highly regarded by the international community as a nation playing a leading role in regional peace and stability. The Consulate General of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Osaka and the Vietnamese Association in Kansai are pleased to share this significant event with the people of Japan.

■ Vietnam Becomes the First Keynote Speaker

On May 29, 2026, the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue, organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), opened in Singapore. This conference is a leading security and defense forum in the Asia-Pacific region, globally known as a gathering place for defense ministers, senior government officials, and security experts from various countries.

This time, General Secretary and President To Lam of Vietnam served as the opening keynote speaker, a first in history for a Vietnamese leader. The IISS's invitation to Vietnam's top leader to deliver the keynote address reflects a high evaluation of Vietnam's international status and voice.

■ Three Crises Facing the World

In his speech, General Secretary and President To Lam pointed out that the world is currently facing three fundamental crises.

The first is the 'crisis of the international order.' The decline in the effectiveness of international law and the intensification of pressure through force are increasing the burden on small and medium-sized countries.

The second is the 'crisis of the development model.' In addition to slowing economic growth and climate change, the risk of using economy, trade, and energy as tools of pressure is increasing.

The third is the 'crisis of strategic trust.' Distrust among nations is growing, increasing the risk of conflict and miscalculation.

■ Six Proposals for a Peaceful Asia-Pacific

Going beyond merely presenting challenges, Vietnam proposed six specific directions for building a peaceful, stable, and sustainable Asia-Pacific region.

① Strengthening risk prevention and management through international law and dialogue

② Building an open and inclusive regional structure centered on ASEAN

③ Placing human security and societal resilience at the core of security

④ Developing responsible international norms in new technologies and the defense industry

⑤ Protecting the information space and promoting countermeasures against fake news

⑥ Preventing conflicts by strengthening preventive diplomacy, mediation, and conciliation

■ Significance for Japan-Vietnam Relations

The values presented in the speech, such as 'respect for international law,' 'freedom of navigation,' 'maintaining ASEAN centrality,' and 'sustainable development,' deeply align with the principles that Japan values. This appearance is positioned to further strengthen the cooperative relationship between Japan and Vietnam and to promote joint efforts for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Vietnam will continue to contribute to regional peace and prosperity as 'a friend of the international community, a reliable partner, and a responsible member.'

■ About the Issuing Organizations

Consulate General of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Osaka

Consul General: NGUYEN TRUONG SON

Address: 4-2-15 Ichinomachi Higashi, Sakai-ku, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture

Contact: Tel. 072-221-6666 Fax. 072-221-6667

Vietnamese Association in Kansai

President: LE THUONG

Address: 1-3-10 Nishizutsumihondori Higashi, Higashiosaka City, Osaka Prefecture

Contact: hoang7579@gmail.com

Organization Information: The association aims to provide mutual support for the Vietnamese community living in Kansai and to promote friendship between Japan and Vietnam. It co-organizes cultural exchange events, supports the daily lives of Vietnamese residents, and acts as a bridge for business and people-to-people exchanges between Japan and Vietnam.