Vietnam highlights 4 key common issues at Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore

Leading a high-level delegation from the defense ministry, General Giang delivered his speech during the second plenary session of the event, held from May 30 to June 1, under the theme 'Ensuring Stability in a Competitive World.'

He underscored that maintaining stability is essential for building a peaceful, cooperative, and developing world, serving the common interests of all nations and peoples.

To achieve this goal, General Giang stressed four key issues that need attention.

First, adherence to the fundamental principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter and international law is paramount.

This includes respect for equality, independence, sovereignty, and the legitimate interests of nations, regardless of their size.

These principles should form the basis for resolving international disputes and disagreements peacefully, without the threat or use of force.

He reaffirmed that these principles are integral to Vietnam's foreign policy of independence and self-reliance, as well as its "four no's" defense policy: no participation in military alliances, no siding with one country against another, no foreign military bases on Vietnamese territory or use of its territory against other countries, and no use or threat of force in international relations.

Regarding the East Vietnam Sea issue, Vietnam consistently resolves disputes through peaceful means, in accordance with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The country fully implements the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Vietnam Sea (DOC) and aspires to develop a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the East Vietnam Sea (COC), contributing to peace, stability, security, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the region.

Second, fostering goodwill and a shared desire for stability is crucial to promote cooperation and development. Building and strengthening strategic and political trust is essential to avoid miscalculations and strategic missteps.

Third, enhancing constructive and healthy dialogues is necessary to address emerging issues and to establish and implement effective and practical cooperation mechanisms, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

Vietnam is committed to participating in and supporting such mechanisms, aiming to maintain stability and promote development.

Last, addressing non-traditional security challenges requires strengthened international cooperation.

General Giang called for collaborative efforts to tackle issues such as natural disasters, epidemics, climate change, water and food security, terrorism, drug crimes, and human trafficking.

He noted that collaboration in addressing these challenges would positively impact efforts to resolve traditional security issues.

The minister affirmed that Vietnam's defense ministry is committed to participating actively and responsibly in substantive and effective cooperation initiatives and mechanisms with its counterparts and the armed forces of other countries.

Vietnam persistently pursues a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, and diversification of relations; being a friend, a reliable partner, and a responsible member of the international community; actively and deeply integrating into the international community; and contributing effectively to global politics, the global economy, and human civilization.

He called on every country to do everything they can today, in the hope of leaving future generations not only a better world but also trust and admiration for the sense of responsibility and wisdom of today's generation.

Following his speech, General Giang engaged in a question-and-answer session with delegates at the dialogue.

On the sidelines of the event, Minister Giang held a meeting with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Saturday.

During the talks, Giang underlined that Vietnam's defense ministry is ready to effectively implement the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the U.S. in the field of defense and security.

Regarding ongoing trade negotiations on tariffs between the two countries, Giang expressed hope that both sides would soon reach a suitable tariff policy agreement for mutual benefits.

Secretary Hegseth affirmed that the U.S. administration of President Donald Trump highly values and appreciates cooperation with Vietnam, desiring to further promote bilateral relations in general and bilateral defense cooperation in particular, especially in addressing the consequences of war.