Vietnam Communist Party leader and President Tô Lâm on first foreign visit to China
The General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and Vietnamese President Tô Lâm arrived in China on Tuesday, April 14 for his first foreign visit as head of state, signaling Vietnam’s foreign policy priorities, according to Channel News Asia (CNA).
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| The General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President, Tô Lâm, 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 of many foreign visits as head of state. Thanks to his leadership as Party Secretary and President, analysts believe 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 bringing together global leaders such as Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, East Timorese President José Ramos-Horta, and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
Last month, Hanoi hosted the first “3+3” ministerial strategic dialogue between Vietnam and China, focusing on areas like public security, defense, and foreign affairs.
The country is also gearing up to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum next year and will assume the ASEAN chairmanship in the near future, further underscoring 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 enhancing its ability to defend itself proactively.
Hang-Huop, principal researcher and coordinator of Vietnamese studies at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, stated that this shift comes amidst increasing uncertainties.
“In the current context of numerous geopolitical upheavals that could undermine regional peace and stability, the defense of the country from a distance and proactively has become a priority for the Party,” he emphasized. “In my opinion, the Party has consistently attached great importance to foreign policy.”
Lye Liang Fook, senior associate fellow at the institute, remarked that Vietnam’s desire to play a more significant 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’s not surprising that Vietnam seeks to play a more significant role in geopolitics,” he said.
According to the researcher, given the global challenges, Vietnam, like other countries, will need to play a more active role to diversify risks, seek new market opportunities, and collaborate with key partners to sustain growth and stability.
Moreover, 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 demonstrates, according to analysts, Vietnam’s willingness to take on greater responsibilities globally.
“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,” indicated Hang-Huop from the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.
VNA/CVN
