Shangri-La Dialogue keynote address reflects Vietnam’s strategic rise: Malaysian expert

An invitation to give a keynote speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue reflects which countries are regarded as influential contributors to shaping regional security discussions.

While the 2026 Shangri-La Dialogue is attracting heightened attention from countries across the Asia-Pacific, the invitation underscored growing recognition of Vietnam’s increasingly important and indispensable role in shaping regional affairs, particularly in trade, economic security, and efforts to preserve peace and stability.

Vietnam’s value lies first and foremost in its ambitious economic transformation, its geographic advantages and strategic location, and the flexibility of its foreign policy.

Vietnam maintains relationships with China, the United States, and Russia, which are viewed as key actors in the regional landscape.

Vietnam’s strategic credibility is the cornerstone.

Vietnam is neither a treaty ally of the United States nor a dependent partner of China.

Nor is it a passive ASEAN member sheltering behind a policy of neutrality.

Instead, Vietnam pursues a robust form of strategic autonomy: engaging with all, aligning exclusively with none, resisting external pressure, and preserving room for maneuver.

That is why Vietnam’s voice carries weight.

It articulates the concerns of smaller states and middle powers–countries that do not wish to be forced into choosing sides in an increasingly bipolar environment, but that also reject a regional order where outcomes are determined solely by power.

As such, Vietnam’s emerging role in the Asia-Pacific security framework is that of a stabilizing balancing force with growing capabilities.

Vietnam is becoming a pivotal country in shaping the future responses and policy choices of its neighbors.

Vietnam’s strengths are evident.

However, the next phase will be more challenging, bringing deeper structural obstacles.

Having established strategic credibility, Vietnam should now develop greater practical capabilities and deliver more tangible results.

First, Vietnam needs to further strengthen its maritime domain awareness.

In particular, the country requires enhanced surveillance capabilities, greater access to satellite systems, unmanned platforms, coastal radar networks, real-time information sharing, and closer coordination in maritime law enforcement.

Such measures would provide a stronger deterrent while also serving as a symbolic demonstration of broad regional support for Vietnam’s efforts to safeguard not only its own rights and interests but also those shared by the wider region.

Second, energy security must be reinforced.

Vietnam needs to accelerate investment in liquefied natural gas infrastructure, offshore wind power, grid modernization, strategic reserves, nuclear energy planning, and regional electricity connectivity.

Third, food security must adapt to climate-related risks.

The Mekong Delta region remains Vietnam’s rice bowl, but it faces mounting challenges resulting from climate change.

Therefore, Vietnam should deepen climate-smart agricultural practices, promote crop innovation, strengthen water diplomacy, enhance food reserve coordination, and shift toward higher-value rice production.

Moreover, Vietnam should preserve its diplomatic agility.

Its greatest strategic asset is the trust it enjoys from countries that are competing with one another.

Vietnam must avoid any erosion of its ability to maintain a balanced position.

The country’s next major test may be transforming strategic autonomy into strategic influence.

This means not only balancing power among larger actors, but also helping shape the rules, norms, and partnerships that protect the interests of smaller states and middle powers throughout the region.

Party chief and State President Lam, his spouse Ngo Phuong Ly, and a high-level Vietnamese delegation arrived in Singapore early on Friday, marking the start of a state visit to the city-state through Sunday at the invitation of Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and his spouse.