This three-day dialogue attracted more than 600 delegates from 47 countries.
During the dialogue, six plenary sessions are scheduled, namely: U.S. New Ambitions for Indo-Pacific Security; Ensuring Security in a Competitive World; Managing Proliferation Risks in the Asia-Pacific; Cyber, Undersea, and Outer-Space Defense Challenges; Cross-Regional Security Interlinkages; and Enhancing Security Cooperation for a Stable Asia-Pacific.
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Vietnamese Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang (second from right, front row) attends the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue. |
Three simultaneous special sessions are themed: Defense Innovation Solutions for Future Challenges; Regional Crisis-management Mechanisms; and Cooperative Maritime Security in the Asia-Pacific. Notably, the dialogue will feature a special address by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The first plenary session took place right after the opening remarks by Dr. Bastian Giegerich, Director-General and Chief Executive of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) – the host of the dialogue.
Addressing the first plenary session, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that the large participation of delegates from many countries sent a strong message of common goals and commitment to peace, contributing to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
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U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth delivers a speech at the first plenary session. |
Given that the U.S. is an Indo-Pacific nation and the Indo-Pacific region is a top priority for the U.S., he emphasized that the prosperity and security of the American people are linked to those of other countries in the region. He added that the U.S. shares a common vision of peace, security, stability, and development and maintains a strong, long-term presence in the Indo-Pacific.
In his speech at the second plenary session, Vietnamese Minister of National Defense Phan Van Giang underlined the fact that peace and stability remain pressing aspirations in many parts of the world, where conflicts and wars continue to threaten lives and rob people of peace and happiness.
He emphasized that “ensuring stability in a competitive world" is a prerequisite and an indispensable factor to building a world of peace, cooperation, and development for the common interests of all nations and peoples. It is also an urgent requirement today.
The Vietnamese defense leader presented four suggestions to achieve stability in a competitive world. First, the basic principles of the U.N. Charter and international law, respect for equality, independence, sovereignty, and the legitimate interests of nations and peoples, should be strictly observed. He highlighted the importance of resolving international disputes by peaceful means, and avoiding threats or the use of force in foreign relations. He affirmed that these are also fundamental principles in Vietnam's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and its “four no’s” defense policy.
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General Phan Van Giang delivers a speech at the second plenary session. |
He said that regarding the East Sea (internationally the South China Sea), Vietnam consistently and persistently resolves all disagreements by peaceful means, in compliance with the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982; effectively and fully implements the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC); and hopes to soon reach a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC). These efforts aim to maintain peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the area.
Second, goodwill and a shared desire for stability are needed for cooperation and development. He explained that with goodwill, complex issues can become less complicated and be addressed through open discussions and satisfactory negotiations.
Third, efforts should focus on the sharing of viewpoints and constructive dialogues to resolve issues, foster healthy competition, and establish and implement effective cooperation mechanisms at both bilateral and multilateral levels. He highlighted the Shangri-La Dialogue, the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, the Moscow International Security Conference, the Munich Security Conference, and other international security forums as strategically significant platforms that open up opportunities for exchange, dialogue, and building mutual understanding. These help foster trust and promote more substantive and effective cooperation. Gen. Giang emphasized that Vietnam stands ready to participate in and support such mechanisms, and to be a responsible contributor to stability, cooperation, and development.
Fourth, international cooperation in addressing non-traditional security challenges should be strengthened. He pointed out the growing complexity and unpredictability of non-traditional security threats in recent years, in addition to traditional security concerns.
Gen. Giang stressed that the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense is willing to promote cooperation and dialogue with its counterparts and foreign militaries. It actively and responsibly participates in initiatives and cooperation mechanisms in the spirit of respect for the law, acceptance of differences, and unity in diversity, for regional and global stability, peace, and prosperity. He reiterated Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, and diversification of foreign relations; being a friend, a reliable partner, and a responsible member of the international community; and actively integrating more deeply into the international system, making increasingly effective contributions to global politics, the economy, and human civilization.
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The high-ranking delegation of the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense at the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue |
Stating that this year Vietnam celebrates the 50th anniversary of National Reunification and the 80th anniversary of National Day, Gen. Giang said that, having endured immense pain and losses from war, the Vietnamese people understand more than anyone the value of peace, stability, cooperation, and development. Vietnam sincerely wishes to join hands with the international community to build a world of peace, prosperity, solidarity, cooperation, and development. “Let us do everything we can today, with the desire to leave younger generations not only a better world, but also faith and admiration for the sense of responsibility and wisdom of today's generation,” he stated.
The invitation extended to the Vietnamese Minister of National Defense to attend and deliver the first speech at the second plenary session of the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue shows the respect and appreciation for Vietnam's growing international role and its positive, responsible contributions to regional and global peace, stability, cooperation, and prosperity. Gen. Giang’s speech captivated and earned high praise from delegates, speakers, and international observers. After the speech, Minister Giang answered a number of questions from delegates.
On the evening of May 30, General Phan Van Giang heard a keynote address by French President Emmanuel Macron and attended the welcoming party hosted by Dr. Bastian Giegerich.
Reported by Thu Trang from Singapore
Translated by Mai Huong