Singapore: Vietnam’s top leader To Lam used the opening session of the Shangri-La Dialogue 2026, Asia’s premier security forum, to deliver a stark warning about the state of the world. Speaking before defense ministers, military commanders, diplomats, and security experts in Singapore, he said the international community is facing a period of growing uncertainty marked by weakening global norms, pressure on development models, and declining trust among nations.
According to To Lam, these challenges are no longer isolated problems but interconnected risks that require collective action and long-term diplomatic solutions.
The Three Major Crises Facing the World
During his keynote address, To Lam identified three key challenges that he believes are threatening global stability.
1. Erosion of the International Order
The Vietnamese leader warned that the rules-based international system is under increasing strain. He noted that geopolitical competition and power politics are challenging established international laws and institutions, creating uncertainty in global governance.
2. Crisis in Development Models
To Lam also highlighted growing economic and environmental pressures. Slower growth, climate-related disruptions, and global economic uncertainty have exposed weaknesses in existing development strategies. He argued that countries must pursue more sustainable and inclusive models of growth to ensure long-term stability.
3. Declining Trust Between Nations
A lack of strategic trust among countries was identified as the third major threat. According to To Lam, rising mistrust is fueling tensions across regions and affecting everything from security cooperation to international trade.
Diplomacy as the Way Forward
While outlining these challenges, To Lam also proposed a roadmap for addressing them. He stressed the importance of strengthening international law, promoting responsible diplomacy, and maintaining open channels of communication between nations.
He argued that competition among countries should not be allowed to escalate into confrontation and called for restraint, dialogue, and multilateral cooperation as essential pillars of global peace.
Asia-Pacific at the Center of Both Challenges and Solutions
To Lam said the Asia-Pacific region has become a focal point for many of today’s geopolitical and economic challenges. Strategic rivalry among major powers, maritime disputes, security concerns, and economic interdependence are all playing out most visibly in the region.
At the same time, he suggested that solutions can emerge from the same region through stronger cooperation and regional institutions. He emphasized the importance of ASEAN’s role in promoting stability and maintaining strategic balance.
Key Meetings on the Sidelines of the Summit
Beyond the main conference sessions, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong held discussions with senior defense officials and ministers from several countries. The talks focused on regional security, defense cooperation, and strengthening strategic partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.
The summit also brought together representatives from the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, and other nations. The absence of China’s defense minister for a second consecutive year remained a notable talking point during the event.
Why the Shangri-La Dialogue Matters
Organized annually by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the Shangri-La Dialogue is widely regarded as Asia’s most influential security conference. It serves as a platform where defense ministers, military leaders, policymakers, and strategic experts discuss pressing regional and global security issues.
This year’s gathering comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, concerns over maritime security, climate-related risks, and economic uncertainty. Against that backdrop, To Lam’s message was seen as a call for greater international cooperation and dialogue in an increasingly fragmented world.
