During the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Vietnamese President To Lam articulated a vision for the Asia-Pacific that prioritizes responsible engagement over the dominance of any single power. He acknowledged the reality of international competition but stressed that it should be governed by law and transparency to prevent escalation into conflict.
Lam warned against the erosion of strategic trust, which can lead to misinterpretations of defensive actions as provocations. He advocated for a framework that allows countries to manage their differences while maintaining a predictable and responsible competitive environment. The dialogue also featured prominent figures such as U.S.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, although China's participation was notably subdued, with its defense minister absent for the second consecutive year. This context underscores the delicate balance of power and the ongoing challenges in fostering cooperation in a region marked by mistrust and competition