Singapore: Vietnamese President To Lam on Friday called for greater 'self-restraint,' dialogue, and cooperation among nations amid what he described as a growing 'crisis' in the international order, warning against unchecked geopolitical competition and rising instability. Speaking at the opening session of the three-day Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, To Lam said the world is facing simultaneous crises involving international law, strategic trust, and economic development models.

According to Anadolu Agency, To Lam emphasized that the crisis in international orders necessitates reinforcing international law and self-restraint. He stressed that countries should focus on 'responsible coexistence' instead of division, coercion, and mistrust. The Vietnamese leader further noted that regional peace and stability could only be preserved through dialogue, transparency, and practical cooperation mechanisms. He warned that merely reacting to crises after they erupt is no longer sufficient and urged governments to proactively reduce risks before tensions escalate.

To Lam also highlighted that Vietnam's national interests are closely tied to regional peace and prosperity, reaffirming Hanoi's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and diversified international relations. Addressing security issues, he reiterated Vietnam's long-standing 'four nos' defense policy, which includes no military alliances and no alignment with one country against another.

Furthermore, To Lam pointed to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, stating it is contributing to global energy shortages and disruptions in supply chains. This, he noted, increases pressure on regional economies and global trade, posing challenges not only for Vietnam but also for the broader region and the world.

In a related event, To Lam met with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ahead of his speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue opening session. Hegseth had arrived in Singapore to participate in the high-level event.