Firmly upholding the "Vietnamese bamboo" diplomatic policy

In nearly 40 years of renovation, the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralization, likened to the “Vietnamese bamboo tree”, has become a guiding principle, contributing to raising the national position. There are opposing opinions that the neutrality policy is “vague and unsafe”, but experience from the lessons of national history has proven otherwise.

Foreign experts study high-tech agricultural models in the Mekong Delta. Photo: NGO HOANG

Make friends with all countries

After the liberation of the South and the reunification of the country, Vietnam's foreign policy was almost closed to the world. The 6th Party Congress (1986) not only renewed its political views and economic thinking but also marked a turning point in changing its foreign policy. The foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification, multilateralization, and willingness to be friends with all countries brought Vietnam closer to the world. The policy of "putting the past behind and looking to the future" helped Vietnam normalize relations with countries that were once in opposition, effectively build a policy of national reconciliation, and strengthen the great solidarity of Vietnamese people at home and abroad.

From a country isolated after the war, Vietnam has established diplomatic relations with all members of the United Nations, becoming an active member of more than 100 international organizations. Vietnam has successfully assumed the role of ASEAN Chair (2020), a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (2020 - 2021), and successfully organized the US - North Korea Summit in Hanoi (2019). The event of General Secretary To Lam and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer signing a joint statement on October 30, 2025, upgrading the Vietnam - UK relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is a special diplomatic milestone. The UK became the 14th country to have the highest level of relations with Vietnam. More importantly, Vietnam has built a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with all 5 permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (US, China, Russia, UK, France), something that not many countries have been able to do. This is a vivid demonstration of the effectiveness of the policy of "making friends with all countries", not choosing sides, not confronting.

International reach

The two successful hosting of the APEC Summit (in 2006 in Hanoi and 2017 in Da Nang) is a turning point affirming Vietnam's capacity to organize international-scale events. At APEC 2017, Vietnam welcomed 21 heads of state and economic leaders, attracting thousands of businesses and investors. The event not only enhanced the country's position but also promoted investment, tourism and infrastructure in Da Nang City and surrounding areas. With four state visits from China, the US, Chile and Canada to Vietnam, along with 50 high-level exchanges with other countries during the APEC Summit Week, experts said that Vietnam is increasingly seen as an important partner in the region.

This success stems from the “Vietnamese bamboo” diplomatic policy: The firm root is independence and autonomy; the straight trunk is the principle of integration but not dissolution; the soft branches are flexible in responding to changes in the world. Thanks to that, Vietnam has both maintained national interests and built trust with major partners.

In 2025, the Republic of Korea will host APEC with the theme “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow”, with three main priorities of connectivity, innovation and prosperity. At the invitation of the President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae Myung, President Luong Cuong led a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation to attend the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit Week and hold bilateral meetings in the Republic of Korea (from October 29 to November 1, 2025). This demonstrates Vietnam’s strong commitment to the process of economic cooperation and integration in the Asia-Pacific region, affirming Vietnam’s role as an active, responsible and increasingly proactive member in shaping the regional cooperation structure.

Steadfast, steadfast

Korea's experience will be a condition for Vietnam to prepare well for the APEC 2027 Summit Week in Phu Quoc - the third time our country takes on the role of host. Choosing Phu Quoc pearl island to host this important international event will be a driving force for An Giang and the Mekong Delta region to break through, participate more deeply in the global value chain; promote the role of the supply chain, inter-regional tourism, and international logistics connection of the Southwest sea.

From the APEC scale to the achievements after nearly 40 years of renovation, it can be seen that the "Vietnamese bamboo" diplomatic policy is correct and suitable for our country's conditions. However, on some online forums, there are still distortions that Vietnam needs to "lean towards this or that side", claiming that the neutrality policy is "vague and unsafe". This is a wrong argument, because history has proven that when it cannot maintain its independence and autonomy, Vietnam is easily trapped in conflict and division. The "Vietnamese bamboo" diplomatic policy is not passive neutrality but proactive, flexible, and suitable to specific circumstances. Any leaning towards any side will cause Vietnam to lose its strategic position, becoming a "card" in the "game" between major countries. Firmly following the "Vietnamese bamboo" diplomatic policy is to protect the Party's ideological foundation, to protect the long-term and sustainable national and ethnic interests.

STANDARD CORN

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/kien-dinh-duong-loi-ngoai-giao-cay-tre-viet-nam--a466765.html