The trip of the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of Vietnam Trong’s first visit to China would be the first in a series of foreign visits as head of state. This comes as Vietnam seeks to play a more prominent role in geopolitics.
Trong 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).
His trip to China would be the first in a series of visits abroad as head of state. Thanks to his leadership as Secretary of the Party 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 important role in geopolitics. It reflects a broader evolution formalized at the 14th National Party Congress last 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, Timorese President Jose Ramos-Horta, and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
Last month, Hanoi hosted the first Vietnam-China ministerial “3+3” strategic dialogue, covering 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, 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 proactively enhancing its defense capabilities.
Le Hong Ha, senior researcher and coordinator of the Vietnamese Studies program at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, stated that this change comes amid increasing uncertainties.
“In the current context of many geopolitical upheavals that could destabilize regional peace and stability, the country’s proactive long-distance defense has become a priority for the Party,” he emphasized. “This is why, in my opinion, the Party has consistently given great importance to foreign policy.”
Lye Liang Fook, senior research associate at the institute, stated that Vietnam’s desire to play a more important role at this precise 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 said.
In light of the challenges faced globally, Vietnam, like other countries, will need to play a more active role to diversify its risks, seek new market opportunities, and collaborate with key partners to sustain its growth and maintain stability.
Simultaneously, 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, analysts say, Vietnam’s willingness to take on 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 Le Hong Ha from the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. – VNA/VI
