Vietnam's strategic prestige

The invitation extended to General Secretary and President To Lam to deliver the keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue 2026 is not merely a ceremonial gesture but also a strategic signal.

Báo Tuổi Trẻ•30/05/2026

Shangri-La Dialogue - Photo 1.

General Secretary and President To Lam delivers the opening remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue - Photo: NGUYEN KHANH

The invitation to deliver the keynote address at Shangri-La reflects which countries are seen as having significant influence in shaping regional security dialogues.

Set against the backdrop of Shangri-La 2026 attracting greater attention from Asia-Pacific countries, this invitation further demonstrates renewed recognition of Vietnam's increasingly important and crucial role in shaping regional issues – particularly in trade, economic security, and ambitions to maintain peace and stability.

Vietnam's value lies primarily in its bold economic transformation ambitions, geographical advantages and strengths, and flexibility in foreign policy. Vietnam is closely connected to China, the United States, and Russia – countries increasingly seen as major actors in the region.

Above all, Vietnam's strategic credibility is the core issue. Vietnam is neither a treaty ally of the United States nor a dependent partner of China. Nor is Vietnam a passive ASEAN nation hiding behind a shield of neutrality.

Vietnam pursues a firm strategic autonomy: engaging with all, not aligning with any particular group, resisting imposition, and maintaining its own room for maneuver.

That is why Vietnam's voice carries weight. Vietnam speaks for the sentiments of small countries and middle powers, countries that do not want to be forced to choose sides in a bipolar confrontation but also do not want a region where power alone determines the outcome.

Therefore, Vietnam's evolving role in the Asia-Pacific security structure is that of a stabilizing force with growing potential.

Vietnam is emerging as a key country in shaping the future responses and policies of its neighbors.

Vietnam's strength is clear, but the next phase will be more difficult, with deeper structural challenges. Having built strategic credibility, Vietnam now needs more substantive capabilities with clearer results.

Firstly , Vietnam needs to further deepen its maritime awareness capabilities. Vietnam needs improved monitoring capabilities, access to satellites, unmanned systems, coastal radar, real-time information sharing, and closer coordination of maritime law enforcement.

This serves both as a clear and strong deterrent and as a symbolic message of broad regional support for Vietnam in protecting its rights and interests, which are not unique to Vietnam alone.

Secondly , energy security needs to be strengthened. Vietnam needs to accelerate the development of LNG infrastructure, offshore wind power, grid reforms, storage capacity, nuclear power plans, and regional power interconnection.

Third, food security must adapt to climate risks. The Mekong Delta is Vietnam's rice bowl but is facing many consequences of climate change.

Therefore, Vietnam should deepen its climate-smart agriculture, innovate crop varieties, engage in water diplomacy , coordinate food reserves, and produce higher-value rice.

Above all, Vietnam needs to maintain diplomatic agility. Vietnam's greatest asset is the trust of its competing nations. Vietnam must avoid the risk of losing its ability to maintain the balance of power.

Vietnam's next test is to translate strategic autonomy into strategic influence. This means not only balancing power, but also shaping rules, norms, and alliances to protect smaller countries and middle powers.

COLLIN CHONG YEW KEAT

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/uy-tin-chien-luoc-cua-viet-nam-2026053008583151.htm