Vietnamese President To Lam delivered a keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore to reiterate Vietnam's commitment to ASEAN centrality [1].
The address marks a significant moment for Vietnam's diplomatic strategy as it seeks to navigate increasing regional tensions and maintain stability within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
This appearance represents the first major international address on foreign policy for To Lam since taking office in April 2024 [1]. During his speech, he outlined a shared vision for Asia-Pacific cooperation, emphasizing the need for collective action to ensure regional peace.
To Lam said the current state of the region is facing a convergence of three crises [1]. While the president did not detail each specific crisis in the summary of his remarks, he urged the international community to prioritize dialogue and cooperation to mitigate these risks.
The president's focus on ASEAN centrality underscores Vietnam's position that the bloc must remain the primary driver of regional security architecture. By positioning ASEAN at the center of diplomatic efforts, Vietnam aims to prevent the region from becoming a theater for great-power competition.
To Lam said the shared vision for the region is essential for sustainable growth and stability. He said that the commitment to ASEAN is not merely a policy preference but a necessity for the survival of regional autonomy.
Reports regarding the president's schedule on the day of the dialogue showed some discrepancy, with some sources placing him in Singapore for the keynote and others suggesting meetings with Indian leadership [1]. However, the official record of the Shangri-La Dialogue confirms his delivery of the keynote address in Singapore.
“President To Lam delivered a keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore to reiterate Vietnam's commitment to ASEAN centrality.”
President To Lam's emphasis on ASEAN centrality suggests that Vietnam will continue to pursue a 'multilateral' foreign policy, avoiding alignment with any single superpower. By highlighting a 'convergence of three crises,' the administration is signaling a heightened sense of urgency regarding regional instability, likely referring to the intersecting pressures of territorial disputes, economic volatility, and geopolitical rivalry in the South China Sea.
