Vietnam’s newly appointed leader embarks on first foreign visit to China
In its diplomatic approach, Vietnam has been engaging in what is known as bamboo diplomacy, seeking to maintain a delicate balance in its relationships with major countries like China, Russia, and the United States.
Vietnam’s newly appointed president, To Lam, embarked on his first foreign trip as the leader of the country, meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in China.
Following the passing of former leader Nguyen Phu Trong, To Lam assumed leadership of the ruling Communist Party.
Under Nguyen’s guidance, Vietnam has adopted a strategy of bamboo diplomacy, characterized by its flexibility in managing relations with China, Russia, the United States, and other nations.
During his visit on August 19th, Vietnam’s diplomatic ties with the United States were upgraded, aligning with Western countries’ efforts to restructure supply chains and reinforce the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.
To Lam started his three-day visit in Guangzhou, a significant Chinese manufacturing and export center, before proceeding to Beijing for a meeting with Xi Jinping.
Xi Jinping expressed that Vietnam holds a priority position in China’s neighborhood diplomacy, signifying the importance of the relationship between the two countries.
The visit solidifies the close relationship between the two communist-led nations, which have well-established economic and trade connections despite occasional disputes over maritime boundaries in the South China Sea.
To’s visit underscores the importance he places on fostering strong ties between both parties and countries.
Notably, Vietnam maintains Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships with China, the United States, Russia, India, and South Korea, reflecting its diversified diplomatic engagements.
In a significant development last December, various agreements were signed between China and Vietnam to enhance cooperation in areas like railway development and handling unforeseen incidents in the South China Sea.
These diplomatic engagements aim to further strengthen the ties between the two countries and promote mutual prosperity.
Additionally, Vietnam has been expanding its bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors with the United States, including areas such as workforce, education, culture, business, law enforcement, climate, and public health.
The joint drill conducted by the coast guards of Vietnam and the Philippines near Manila further demonstrates Vietnam’s proactive engagement in regional security cooperation.
(Reuters contributed to this report.)
