Vietnam is the master of neutrality in a polarized world
Hanoi's 'bamboo diplomacy' seen in hosting of Chinese, U.S. and Russian leaders
Richard D. McClellan is the Vietnam country director at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change
Hosting the leaders of China, the U.S., and Russia, Vietnam navigates a polarized world with strategic finesse.
Without much fanfare, Vietnam has artfully circumnavigated perhaps one of the biggest challenges in diplomacy today: the need to choose sides. Not only did these visits happen in quick succession, they led to upgrades in Vietnam's strategic ties and deepening of economic cooperation. In what is often a zero-sum game in global diplomacy, this is a feat worth noting.
Vietnam's adroit handling of the diplomatic visits of presidents Xi Jinping, Joe Biden, and Vladimir Putin sends a strong signal of its intention to stay neutral amid the current geopolitical storm. While it is to Vietnam's advantage to stay the course in its diplomatic approach, there is also an imperative need to highlight the country's achievements in order to meet its own priorities and continue its rapid growth.
The design of Vietnam's modern foreign policy is deeply rooted in its historical experiences. For centuries, the nation has faced invasions and conflicts, from Chinese dominion to French colonialism and the war with the U.S. These experiences have deeply informed its worldview. Vietnam shapes its engagements on the basis that nothing should impede its national independence and sovereignty.
Today, Vietnam's leaders are determined to maintain stability and do that by focusing on delivering strong economic growth. This is the cornerstone of every policy and every foreign interaction. Indeed, they have gone so far as to articulate precisely how in two critical guiding principles.
Articulated in the 2019 National Defense White Paper, the "Four Nos" policy (no military alliances, no aligning with one country against the other, no foreign military bases, and no threats of force in international relations) make up the cornerstone of Vietnam's neutrality in national defense.
Vietnam's balancing act in international relations is more broadly affirmed through its concept of "bamboo diplomacy." First coined by Party Secretary-General Nguyen Phu Trong in 2016, the metaphor of the bamboo -- strong roots, firm trunk, and flexible branches -- captures the essence of Vietnam's approach: adaptable to changing circumstances while maintaining a firm commitment to the national interest and peace.
Together, these principles affirm Vietnam's commitment to remain nonaligned and sovereign in its international engagements, while pursuing mutually beneficial relationships.
Principles of neutrality, sovereignty, and independence serve as the foundation for Vietnam's economic diplomacy: a core mandate of the country's foreign service is to leverage international relations to benefit the people economically.
Vietnam engages with a diverse array of global partners to foster trade, investment, and economic cooperation, as evident in its recent upgrades to comprehensive strategic partnerships with South Korea, Japan, the U.S., and Australia. Such partnerships not only strengthen diplomatic relations, but also open new prospects for economic growth domestically and better integrate Vietnam into the global value chain.
Being open to all partners who can contribute to Vietnam's growth also provides protection economically and hedges political bets amid global disruptions. During the COVID pandemic, for example, Vietnam was less affected by disruptions to world trade and grew substantially, even as the global economy contracted. This diversified approach has contributed to Vietnam's rise from embargoes and poverty 40 years ago to a lower middle-income country today.
While Vietnam's diplomatic strategy has many strengths, there are clear areas for improvement, particularly when it comes to articulating Vietnam's story more effectively. Much can be done to build global awareness of the country's robust development trajectory.
Moreover, Vietnam could benefit from a more proactive contribution in regional and multilateral forums. By taking a stronger lead on key issues like climate change and sustainable development, the country can not only protect its own interests but also bolster its reputation. Vietnam's organization of the ASEAN Future Forum 2024 in Hanoi earlier this year was a step in the right direction.
Vietnam's strategic approach to diplomacy has so far yielded impressive results. While political observers seem committed to debating "whose side they are on," Vietnam has been unequivocal about its intention to remain nonaligned. In an era of strong geopolitical winds, Vietnam's bamboo-like flexibility and openness is an approach other countries can follow without compromising on stability and growth. Because one other thing about bamboo is that it also grows very quickly.