Strategic doctrine for 2030 and 2045 goals

The genesis of Vietnam’s multilateral diplomacy can be traced back to the era of Ho Chi Minh, who viewed multilateral institutions as critical assets for amplifying Vietnam’s voice and mobilising international support to advance national interests. In the post–Cold War period, and particularly since the 13th National Party Congress, Hanoi has pursued this approach with greater vigour to strengthen national security, advance socio-economic development, and navigate a rapidly evolving international environment, while avoiding entanglement as a proxy in major power competition.

This approach is called the Bamboo-diplomacy, which means firmly remaining wedded to national interests like a strong stem but having flexible branches to play with different poles in the fast-changing geopolitical dynamics. In recent times, Hanoi has made two important changes. First, it has been elevated to a strategic doctrine, blending security, economic policy, and international engagement with strategic confidence. Second, Vietnam is not merely seeking enhanced cooperation of multilateral institutions but also trying to shape them with a twofold objective of getting enhanced support for domestic priorities and contributing to a rule-based international order built on equality and mutual respect. This shift has elevated Vietnam’s international image to a system-supporting reformist middle-power.

At the bilateral level, Vietnam maintains diplomatic relations with 194 countries and has established strategic partnerships with 38 nations. Multilaterally, it is an active participant in a wide range of platforms, including Asean, APEC, ASEM, WTO, the United Nations, the SCO, Brics, and G20 outreach mechanisms.

Vietnam has aligned its domestic polices to play an effective role in multilateral institutions. First, to involve the private sector, Hanoi declared it the most important driving force of the national economy; a pioneer in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation by 2030 (Resolution 68). It hopes that there would be two million operational enterprises, including twenty large ones participating in global value chains. It also tweaked legal and regulatory provisions to protect the private sector (Resolution 66). Second, it is trying to acquire advanced technology and a trained workforce (Resolutions 57 and 71). Third, it recognises essentiality of international integration for Vietnam’s economic development (Resolution 59).

In 2025, Vietnam played a prominent role in the UN General Assembly (UNGA 80), hosting key events like the signing of the Cybercrime Convention (Hanoi Convention) and UNCTAD 16, and securing re-election to the UN Human Rights Council for 2026-2028 and to the UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) for the 2025–2031 term, demonstrating Hanoi’s readiness to shape global rules. President Cuong’s speech supported reforms in the UN to enhance its efficacy and achieve peace essential for development, prosperity, and democracy. He also emphasised diplomacy over violent conflicts and the need to resolve the South China Sea dispute in accordance with UNCLOS.

Vietnam’s joining the Brics in 2025 as a partner country was significant, showcasing its strategic autonomy and commitment to multilateralism. Hanoi champions cooperation among developing nations, aligning with Brics’s broader agenda for global development. It adds valuable manufacturing and trade expertise to Brics discussions. Its commitment to net-zero by 2050 makes it a valuable partner for Brics in promoting green energy, climate resilience, and sustainable technology. At the 2025 Brics Summit, PM Chinh proposed strategic pillar for global AI governance that is ethical, fair, and accessible. Vietnam’s partnership underscores Brics’s expansion into Southeast Asia and reinforces its strategy to engage with key emerging economies, providing a bridge to the Global South and fostering a more multipolar world.

Since 2025, Vietnam is a core member of Asean. It strengthened Asean unity and centrality by contributing across all the pillars, from political-security to economic and socio-cultural cooperation, including maritime security, climate action, digital transformation, and people-centred development. Vietnam is aligning its national strategies on innovation, digital transformation, and international integration to support a more resilient, inclusive, and self-reliant Asean Community, reinforcing its role as both a stakeholder and a shaper of the region’s future. At the Asean Future Forum (Feb.), Hanoi focused on AI governance and green transition. As chair of the Initiative for Asean Integration (IAI) Task Force, Vietnam is driving the 2026–2030 action plan to reduce economic disparities among member states. It also supported the Asean Economic Community to enhance trade facilitation and foster economic linkages across Southeast Asia. Hanoi also played the central role within APEC’s mechanisms to promote deeper cooperation across economic recovery, trade liberalisation, and technological innovation. Vietnam hosted an ASEM Conference on Innovative Education & Human Resource Building this year, promoting Asia-Europe cooperation on quality education, skills development, and workforce adaptability.

While Vietnam is not a full member of the SCO, PM Chinh participated in the expanded SCO Summit (SCO+), signalling Vietnam’s growing regional engagement. He underscored the need for multilateralism, solidarity, and cooperation on traditional and non-traditional security challenges (e.g., energy, cybersecurity). Similarly, though not a full member, Vietnam participated as part of the G20 Outreach and other extended engagements. It leveraged the G20 dialogue to push for stronger voices for developing countries. Vietnam in the WTO supported the MPIA (interim dispute appeal) for trade stability.

On 3rd December, Vietnam convened an international conference to assess the effectiveness of its multilateral diplomacy, reflecting a willingness to recalibrate and refine its foreign policy. Participants underscored the centrality of multilateral diplomacy in safeguarding independence and sovereignty while driving national development. While acknowledging the challenges posed by current global trends, the conference highlighted opportunities for Vietnam to play a more proactive and creative role through institutional strengthening, high-quality human resource development, enhanced strategic research and forecasting, and stronger economic, cultural, and digital diplomacy.

Vietnam is holding 14th National Party Congress in January, and the draft documents suggest a greater focus on multilateral diplomacy to achieve the objectives of 2030 and 2045.

In essence, Vietnam’s ascent within the global system, anchored in sustained economic development, demonstrates that amid shifting geopolitical, economic, technological, and environmental dynamics, multilateral diplomacy remains a vital instrument for advancing both domestic and global objectives. This strategy has endowed Vietnam with greater diplomatic confidence and autonomy in navigating a divided world, offering an instructive model for other emerging and middle powers.

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