Vietnam’s foreign policy thinking and line during the Doi Moi (Renewal) period have been built on the inheritance of Ho Chi Minh’s diplomatic thought, the nation’s tradition of amity and harmony, and the creative application of Marxism-Leninism to the country’s realities. The 13th National Party Congress crystallized this into the policy of “building a comprehensive and modern diplomacy with three pillars: Party diplomacy, State diplomacy, and people-to-people diplomacy.” This represents a breakthrough in theoretical thinking, aligned with Vietnam’s political system and global trends.

The enduring foundation of Vietnam’s foreign policy is independence and self-reliance, alongside the multilateralization and diversification of international relations. This orientation is clearly reflected in the declaration that “Vietnam is a friend, a reliable partner, and an active, responsible member of the international community.” Vietnam steadfastly adheres to the “Four Nos” defense policy and strives to balance relations with all partners on the basis of respect for independence, sovereignty, equality, and mutual benefit.

Using the image of the Vietnamese bamboo as a symbol, Vietnam’s diplomatic identity is rooted in the bamboo’s firm roots, strong trunk, and flexible branches.

Late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong encapsulated this distinctive school of foreign policy and diplomacy through the image of the Vietnamese bamboo: “firm roots, a strong trunk, and supple branches.” The “firm roots” represent national and ethnic interests and the steadfast commitment to an independent, self-reliant foreign policy. The “strong trunk” signifies the strength of great national unity, the solidarity and concerted efforts of the entire political system under the unified leadership of the Party. The “supple branches” denote skillful and flexible conduct, “firm in objectives, flexible in strategies and tactics”, in the face of complex global developments.

To translate this line into practice, the three pillars of external relations operate in close coordination, complementing one another. Party diplomacy play a strategic guiding role, building political foundations and trust with political parties and countries worldwide. State diplomacy serves as the official and core channel for institutionalizing and implementing international commitments. People-to-people diplomacy, with the participation of mass organizations and citizens, acts as a bridge of friendship, nurturing goodwill and mutual understanding and creating a solid social foundation for relations between Vietnam and other countries. As Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung has emphasized, the smooth and synchronized coordination among the three pillars, together with defense and security diplomacy, has generated a combined strength for the diplomatic sector.

In the draft documents to be submitted to the 14th National Party Congress, for the first time, the Party has designated external relations and international integration as “critical and regular” tasks, on a par with defense and security. This marks a breakthrough in strategic thinking, affirming that in the context of deep integration, external relations are a vital means of safeguarding the Fatherland “early and from afar,” shaping a peaceful environment, and mobilizing resources for development.

From a country once subject to blockade and embargo, Vietnam today has built an extensive and reliable network of external relations. To date, Vietnam has diplomatic relations with all 194 member states of the United Nations. As of October 29, 2025, Vietnam has established frameworks of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership or Strategic Partnership with all five Permanent Members of the United Nations Security Council, as well as with many major powers and other important partners within the G7 and G20.

International economic integration stands out as a bright spot, playing a pioneering role in mobilizing resources for development. Vietnam has become a member of more than 70 major regional and international organizations, including ASEAN and the World Trade Organization (WTO). In particular, Vietnam has actively participated in and signed 17 free trade agreements (FTAs), including new-generation FTAs such as the CPTPP and the EVFTA, linking the Vietnamese economy with more than 60 key economies. As a result, Vietnam’s trade scale has grown remarkably, placing the country among the world’s top 20 economies in terms of trade and foreign investment attraction.

The success of external relations is not measured solely by economic indicators. Vietnam’s prestige has also been affirmed through its active and responsible role in multilateral forums. Vietnam has twice been elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council with record-high numbers of votes. The country is also actively participating in United Nations peacekeeping operations, dispatching hundreds of military and public security officers to missions in Africa. The successful hosting of major international events, such as the APEC Summit, the ASEAN Future Forum, and the hosting of the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime in 2025, has demonstrated Vietnam’s capacity and reliability.

President Luong Cuong, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, and delegates at the opening ceremony for the signing of the Hanoi Convention. (Photo: VGP)

These achievements are the direct result of a sound foreign policy line that has been implemented in a coordinated and resolute manner. The year 2025 is assessed as one of the most successful years for Vietnamese diplomacy, marked by dynamic high-level external activities that helped further deepen relations with partners. Speaking at the Conference to review the work of 2025 and to implement key directions and tasks for 2026 of the diplomatic sector on December 29, 2025, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh summarized the achievements of foreign affairs in a 24-word phrase: “A streamlined apparatus, timely adaptation, effective creativity, expanded cooperation, enhanced standing, and development-oriented engagement.”

Content: Mai Thuy (compiled)

Design: Mai Anh