President Vo Van Thuong attends a dialogue between leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and guests on November 16, 2023 in San Francisco (USA)
Stronger and more connected
Vietnam's foreign relations have been significantly enhanced in 2023. This is reflected in the high-level visits that have taken place, reflecting a deeper change in Southeast Asia.
Dr. John Hamre
For various reasons, supply chains are shifting to countries in Asia.
There is a new trade dynamic in Asia. Vietnam’s more expansive foreign policy activity reflects the changing trade dynamics and its growing stature in the region. In many ways, Vietnam is a bright spot compared to most Southeast Asian countries.
In the current context, Vietnam stands out as a stronger and more connected country. It is only logical that there will be more diplomatic engagements with Vietnam. All of this forms a network that is long-term, not temporary.
Dr. John Hamre ( President of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) - former US Deputy Secretary of Defense)
Unique identity
Associate Professor Kei Koga
Vietnam's recent foreign policy is the embodiment of "bamboo diplomacy", but not like Thailand's "bamboo diplomacy" as people often say.
Vietnam's active participation in international affairs in terms of economics, politics and military has rapidly expanded in parallel with economic development.
"Vietnam's bamboo diplomacy" has maintained a balance, while making the most of its relations with major countries, pursuing an optimal foreign policy by building good relations with all parties.
Associate Professor Kei Koga (Global Issues and Public Policy Programme - School of Social Sciences - Nanyang Technological University, Singapore)
Integrating into the global trading system
Vietnam continues to proactively implement diplomacy according to the "4 no's" principle. Through diplomacy, Vietnam continues to be a major recipient of investment and aid from Japan, while strengthening relations with the US and consolidating relations with China.
Professor Stephen Robert Nagy
In addition, Vietnam's participation in economic agreements and frameworks such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) is further evidence of Vietnam's commitment to integrating into the regional and global trading system, and demonstrating that Vietnam is a friend to all countries.
As geopolitical competition deepens in the Indo-Pacific region, cooperation with Vietnam becomes an important element in the Indo-Pacific strategies of many countries.
Because Vietnam is trustworthy for selectively diversifying supply chains, has stability and is a partner contributing to regional peace and stability.
Professor Stephen Robert Nagy (International Christian University - Japan, scholar at the Japan Institute of International Studies)
Continued autonomy
Expert Ryo Hinata-Yamaguchi
Vietnam continues its path of foreign policy autonomy by flexibly hedging risks with regional stakeholders.
Up to now, Vietnam's foreign policy has achieved many results.
Of course, Vietnam must continue to make efforts to address challenges, especially competition among major powers.
Expert Ryo Hinata-Yamaguchi (University of Tokyo, Japan)
Important role in Southeast Asia
Mr. Dov S. Zakheim
In September 2023, US President Joe Biden visited Vietnam at the invitation of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.
Thereby, the two countries issued a joint statement upgrading their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reaching many cooperation agreements in many fields, from deeper political and diplomatic relations to scientific and technological cooperation, to scientific and technological cooperation...
Indeed, both countries share deep concerns about emerging challenges in the region.
Meanwhile, Vietnam is an important country in Southeast Asia, as the international community has recognized in recent times.
Mr. Dov S. Zakheim ( former US Deputy Secretary of Defense, expert of CNA Research Agency)
Proactive engagement in a multipolar world
Dr. Chester B. Cabalza
Vietnam's foreign affairs activities in 2023 have created many changes for Vietnam in the international arena. Vietnam has attracted cooperation interest from major powers and many partners in the region by affirming its trust.
Through that, Vietnam has actively increased its connections in a multipolar world.
Not only proactive, Vietnam's foreign policy is also highly effective, demonstrated through visits by leaders of many countries, thereby indicating the solid regional security structure that Vietnamese leaders have established.
From this foundation, Vietnam is also a destination to attract foreign investment while helping to perfect the regional security structure.
Dr. Chester B. Cabalza (President of the Organization for International Development and Security Cooperation, Philippines)
Regional diplomatic center
Looking at Vietnam's foreign affairs activities over the past year, it can be seen that Vietnam's geostrategic position and growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. Over the past year, Vietnam has become the diplomatic center of the region.
Expert Fabio Figiaconi
On the one hand, Vietnamese leaders have made a number of foreign visits to strengthen existing relations and possibly elevate them.
At the same time, a number of leaders of major countries have also visited Vietnam and upgraded and strengthened relations.
Through its international cooperation programs, Vietnam has been pursuing an equal, balanced and independent foreign policy strategy. In the current geopolitical environment in the Indo-Pacific, Vietnam’s approach has carefully navigated the complex dynamics of major power competition. By maintaining a comprehensive, balanced and independent foreign policy, Vietnam protects its freedom of action and national interests, while contributing to regional stability. Vietnam has indeed played an important role in the Indo-Pacific.
Expert Fabio Figiaconi (studying political science at the Free University of Brussels - VUB, Belgium)
Overcoming complexity
Associate Professor Ekaterina Koldunova
In September 2023, Vietnam and the US upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. In November 2023, Vietnam and Japan also announced the upgrade of their relationship to a similar level. Before 2023, Vietnam only maintained comprehensive strategic partnerships with Russia, China, India, and South Korea. In December 2023, Vietnam and China celebrated the 15th anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership with a visit by Chinese General Secretary and President Xi Jinping. On this occasion, the two countries issued a joint statement to deepen bilateral relations. A number of high-ranking Russian officials also visited Vietnam.
Through these activities, in 2023, Vietnam demonstrated its ability to overcome the increasing complexity of the global and regional geopolitical situation. Vietnam maintained good relations even with competing powers such as the US and China.
Associate Professor Ekaterina Koldunova (Faculty of Asian and African Studies, Moscow State Institute of International Relations - MGIMO, Russia)
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