Vietnamese President To Lam addressed military leaders from across the Asia Pacific region, warning about the growing risks posed by superpower tensions in the area.

Speaking to the gathered military officials, To Lam expressed concern about rising distrust and what he characterized as a lack of respect for established international rules. He warned that these conditions had fostered a concerning dynamic where "the big fish swallowing the small fish" had become prevalent.

The Vietnamese leader called for greater responsible commitment from major powers operating in the Asia Pacific region. His remarks come amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the area, where competing interests between major powers have raised concerns among smaller nations about their sovereignty and security.

Vietnam, which has historically sought to maintain balanced relationships with major powers while protecting its own interests, has increasingly found itself navigating complex regional dynamics. The country's leadership has consistently advocated for multilateral approaches to regional security and economic cooperation.

The speech reflects broader concerns among Southeast Asian nations about the impact of great power competition on regional stability and the rules-based international order that has underpinned decades of economic growth in the region.