Vietnam's President To Lam Highlights Global Uncertainty, Calls for Dialogue and International Law

The Shangri-La Dialogue, an Asian security forum, opened today in Singapore. Vietnamese General Secretary and President To Lam stated that the world faces multiple uncertainties and that while interdependence has deepened, nations are feeling more pressure. He called for strengthening international law and promoting dialogue. The 2026 Shangri-La Dialogue is being held from today through the 31st. In his keynote speech, To Lam noted that the world has become more connected but also more fragile. Less than a month after visiting Beijing, To Lam visited India to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on defense and military procurement. He also met with Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership. Many analysts suggest that Hanoi is avoiding focusing solely on China and is striving to balance its relations with various countries. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is scheduled to speak tomorrow morning, with attention focused on the Indo-Pacific region following the summit between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump in Beijing.