Shangri-La Dialogue focuses on China-US rivalry and global conflicts

Key themes at the Shangri-La Dialogue defence summit in Asia include China’s military modernisation, its growing activity in the Indo-Pacific region, and shifting U.S. strategic priorities, according to Japan Today.

The forum, organised by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), is taking place against a backdrop of heightened global tensions. Renewed strikes in the Middle East are threatening a fragile ceasefire in the conflict involving Iran, while Russia continues active military operations in Ukraine.

Vietnam’s leader To Lam opens the conference on May 29, with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth expected to deliver Washington’s position on the Indo-Pacific region on May 30.

Vietnam, which is involved in territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea, remains economically closely tied to Beijing, its largest trading partner. The United States is also a key export market for Hanoi and is seeking to expand its influence in the region through defence cooperation agreements.

According to reports citing leaks, Vietnamese military officials are maintaining a cautious stance and are considering measures to guard against potential external threats despite expanding cooperation with the U.S.

China has reportedly sent a lower-level delegation to this year’s forum. Discussions are also expected to cover the war in Ukraine, the U.S.–Iran confrontation, the situation around the Strait of Hormuz, and global energy security.