SINGAPORE, May 30 — Vietnamese President To Lam warned that double standards, inconsistent application of international law, and intensifying geopolitical rivalries are eroding trust among nations and threatening regional stability, during his address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Friday.Speaking at Asia’s premier security summit, To Lam said countries, particularly small and medium-sized nations, are increasingly facing pressure amid growing competition between major powers.“When commitments are declared but actions undermine those commitments, and when international law is applied inconsistently or subordinated to a ‘might makes right’ mentality, countries face economic, technological, financial, and security coercion,” he said.
The Vietnamese leader cautioned that interconnected domains such as oceans, cyberspace, supply chains, and digital infrastructure are increasingly becoming arenas of strategic competition. He stressed that economic development and security should be viewed as complementary rather than competing priorities.“Development is the foundation of sustainable security. If development is disrupted and opportunities for growth are curtailed, economic instability can easily lead to unrest,” To Lam stated.Referring to recent tensions affecting strategic maritime routes in the Middle East, he warned that conflicts in one region can rapidly disrupt global trade, energy supplies, logistics networks, and economic stability worldwide.
To Lam also highlighted what he described as a growing “crisis of strategic trust” among nations, warning that suspicion and insecurity are increasing the risk of misunderstandings and confrontation.“When trust diminishes, defensive actions can be perceived as provocative, and minor incidents can escalate if dialogue and restraint are absent,” he said.Addressing disputes in the South China Sea, To Lam reaffirmed Vietnam’s support for resolving disagreements through peaceful and diplomatic means in accordance with international law.
He further stressed the importance of preserving ASEAN’s central role in the regional security framework and warned against turning Southeast Asia into an arena for rivalry between competing blocs.The Shangri-La Dialogue, organised by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), is being held in Singapore from May 29 to 31, bringing together government officials, military leaders, business executives, and security experts to discuss key security challenges across the Indo-Pacific region.
