The visit of TÉ L&Circ;m to China signals the priorities of Vietnam’s foreign policy
The General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and Vietnamese President TÉ L&Circ;m arrived in China on Tuesday, April 14, for his first foreign visit as head of state, signaling the priorities of Vietnam’s foreign policy, according to Channel News Asia (CNA).
>> Vietnam – China: leader TÉ L&Circ;m advocates for strengthened partnership in education
>> Party Secretary and President TÉ L&Circ;m meets Chinese leader Wang Huning
>> TÉ L&Circ;m meets the Vietnamese community in China, calling for strengthening unity and cooperation
 |
| The General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Republic, TÉ L&Circ;m, and his wife meet with the staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in China and representatives of the Vietnamese community in China. |
| Photo: VNA/CVN |
His trip to China would be the first in a series of visits abroad as head of state. Thanks to his leadership as Party Secretary and President of the Republic, analysts believe that the Vietnamese leader is well positioned to leverage international partnerships to promote the country’s interests.
This visit comes as Vietnam seeks to play a more significant role in geopolitics. It reflects a broader evolution, formalized at the Party’s 14th National Congress in January.
Vietnam has increasingly asserted itself as a major player on the international stage. In 2024, it launched the ASEAN Future Forum, an annual platform that brings together global leaders such as Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Timorese President José Ramos-Horta, and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
Last month, Hanoi hosted the first ministerial “3+3” Vietnam-China strategic dialogue, focusing on areas such as public security, defense, and foreign affairs.
The country is also preparing to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum next year and will assume the presidency of ASEAN in the near future, further signs of its growing diplomatic influence.
Observers note that Vietnam’s geopolitical role has traditionally been reactive, but this is changing. The country now pursues two main goals: maintaining economic growth and strengthening its proactive defense capability.
Lye Liang Fook, a senior associate and program coordinator of Vietnamese studies at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, said that this change comes amid increasing uncertainties.
“In the current context of numerous geopolitical disruptions that could undermine regional peace and stability, defending the country from afar and proactively has become a priority for the Party,” he emphasized. “Therefore, in my opinion, the Party has consistently and significantly emphasized foreign policy.”
Lye Liang Fook, a senior associate at the institute, said that Vietnam’s desire to play a more prominent role at this particular moment was understandable.
“Given its relatively large population in Southeast Asia and the dynamism of its economy, which aims for 10% growth in the coming years, it is not surprising that Vietnam seeks to play a more important role in geopolitics,” he stated.
According to the researcher, given the global challenges faced, Vietnam, like other countries, will need to play a more active role in diversifying its risks, seeking new market opportunities, and collaborating with key partners to continue its growth and maintain stability.
Additionally, Vietnam’s increasing global engagement could enhance its image as an emerging middle power, ready to contribute more actively to international peace efforts.
For example, its participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions in Africa over the past decade, according to analysts, showcases Vietnam’s willingness to assume greater responsibilities on the global stage.
“Vietnam will be able to play a more active role in the future if it can maintain its economic development and secure more resources for its international contributions and commitments,” noted Lye Liang Fook of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.
VNA/CVN
