Party Chief Nguyen Phu Trong’s Influence on “Vietnamese Bamboo Diplomacy”

It reflects the foreign policy of the Communist Party of Vietnam that has significantly contributed to the country’s development achievements.

The recent successes in Vietnam’s diplomatic endeavors can be credited to the collective efforts of the Party, the people, and the military, with the Party’s direct and all-encompassing leadership under General Secretary Trong being the crucial factor.

Diplomatic Influence Rooted in Vietnamese Identity

According to Associate Professor Duong Van Quang, the former Director of the Diplomatic Academy, General Secretary Trong has always stressed the importance of crafting a contemporary and inclusive diplomacy infused with the qualities of “Vietnamese bamboo.”

A bamboo, as explained by Quang, consists of roots, trunk, and treetop. The sturdy roots represent Vietnam’s millennia-old tradition of cherishing peace, evident in various diplomatic endeavors throughout history.

The trunk symbolizes national interests and the country’s position, which must remain firmly connected to the roots to stand tall but also flexible enough to adapt, added Quang.

Under the Party’s guidance, led by General Secretary Trong, Vietnamese diplomacy has achieved notable milestones, such as the historic meeting with US President Barack Obama in 2015, fostering a new chapter in bilateral relations.

In late 2022, General Secretary Trong became the first foreign leader to visit China following the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

In September 2023, Trong hosted US President Joe Biden and engaged in talks at the Party Central Committee’s headquarters, an unprecedented event. Additionally, he welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping on a state visit to Vietnam. In 2024, President Putin visited Vietnam, welcomed by the Party leader.

Amidst the current global dynamics of major power struggles, Vietnam’s adept maintenance of relations with key nations encapsulates the essence of “Vietnamese bamboo diplomacy,” noted Quang.

Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Thanh Son highlighted Vietnam’s deepening global integration since the 13th National Party Congress while retaining its political identity. He attributed this success to the Party’s leadership, characterized by flexible bamboo diplomacy and a welcoming approach to all nations.

Son stressed that under the CPV’s leadership, Vietnam has maintained stability across political, security, economic, cultural, and social realms.

He credited this success to the astute leadership of General Secretary Trong and the unity of the entire nation.

Recalling his experiences with the Party leader, Son recounted the honor of hosting General Secretary Trong on an official visit to Russia during his ambassadorship.

President Putin praised Trong’s leadership role, acknowledging Vietnam’s effective global integration and garnering respect from the international community.

Various photos from Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s official visit to Russia in September 2018 (Photo: VNA)

Ambassador Le Van Bang, former Vietnamese Ambassador to the United States and former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, reflected on his interactions with the Party leader, underscoring Trong’s strategic contributions to Vietnamese diplomacy.

International media outlets highly appreciate Vietnam’s bamboo diplomacy. (Photo: VNA)

Bang highlighted the General Secretary’s philosophy of “bamboo diplomacy,” elevating Vietnam’s standing on the global stage and attracting interest from other nations seeking to emulate Vietnam’s success.

Reflecting on Trong’s historic US visit in 2015, Bang lauded it as a pivotal moment in bilateral relations and a significant achievement in Vietnamese diplomacy. He noted Trong’s continued efforts to strengthen Vietnam-US ties, culminating in a comprehensive strategic partnership.

With his visionary approach and contributions to external affairs, Bang acclaimed General Secretary Trong as a respected figure and an exemplary role model for those in the diplomatic arena to emulate.

VNA