Vietnam’s ASEAN Standing Bolstered by Party Chief’s Diplomatic Tour
The recent state visit to Indonesia and official visits to the ASEAN Secretariat and Singapore by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam from March 9-13 have significantly elevated Vietnam’s position within ASEAN, according to regional and international experts.
The most notable achievement of these high-level diplomatic engagements was the upgrade of Vietnam’s relations with both Indonesia and Singapore to Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships. This move has been widely recognized as a significant step forward, demonstrating Vietnam’s proactive stance and readiness to enhance its regional influence.
These diplomatic initiatives clearly reflect Vietnam’s foreign policy of active and proactive integration into the international community, while emphasizing the importance of strengthening ties within ASEAN.
Strengthening Ties with Indonesia
During Lam’s visit to Indonesia and the ASEAN Secretariat, regional and international media highlighted the vast potential for cooperation between Vietnam and Indonesia in emerging fields such as green economy, circular economy, renewable energy, and semiconductor technology. The two nations also expressed interest in exploring collaboration in defense, security, and maritime affairs, as well as promoting people-to-people exchanges and tourism.
Beni Sukadis, Senior Researcher at the Indonesia Institute for Defence and Strategic Studies (LESPERSSI), described the visits as a landmark diplomatic success, reinforcing the strong bilateral relationship and solidarity within ASEAN. He noted that the visit has strengthened Vietnam’s position in regional security cooperation, with both countries reaffirming their commitments to maritime stability, counter-terrorism, and defense collaboration.
Enhancing Partnership with Singapore
Lam’s official visit to Singapore resulted in the signing of numerous cooperation agreements, demonstrating a stronger connection between the two economies. The upgrade of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was hailed as a significant milestone by Singaporean Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam, who emphasized its potential to deepen ties in politics, economy, and people-to-people exchanges.
Vietnam’s Diplomatic Strategy
According to Thai PBS World, Vietnam is actively reshaping its diplomatic approach as it works toward becoming a middle power by 2045. This goal represents the country’s broader ambition to enhance its international profile through strategic partnerships, economic growth, and diplomatic resilience.
Vietnam is implementing significant reforms to improve efficiency and reduce bureaucratic redundancy while emphasizing its role as a regional stabilizer. The country’s ability to engage with major powers while preserving ASEAN’s centrality, coupled with its flexible and balanced approach, has enabled Vietnam to forge new friendships and diversify its trading partners.
