Important Resources Driving Diplomatic Policy in the Modern Era
The year 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the implementation of Resolution No. 36-NQ⁄TW, dated 26 March 2004, of the Politburo (9th tenure) on work with overseas Vietnamese. In this context, we conducted an interview with Mr. Nguyen Hong Hue (Peter Hong), a member of the Central Committee of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front and Chairman of the Business Association of Overseas Vietnamese (BAOOV). The interview focused on the notable achievements of Vietnamese diplomacy in recent times and proposed solutions f
Reporter: Sir, in 2023 and early 2024, Viet Nam witnessed a number of notable diplomatic activities. Could you kindly provide us with an overview of the most successful and meaningful milestones of diplomacy in both bilateral and multilateral aspects? Additionally, we would be grateful to hear your insights on the factors that have contributed to the success of Viet Nam's foreign policy and diplomacy in recent times.
Mr. Nguyen Hong Hue: It can be stated that the period between 2023 and early 2024 has seen a number of significant developments in foreign affairs, with a number of notable events taking place. Foreign relations at the bilateral and multilateral levels continued to expand and deepen, with notable developments in relations with key partners. Viet Nam has elevated its diplomatic relations with three countries (the United States, Japan and Australia) to the highest level of diplomatic relations, namely Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
At the multilateral level, Viet Nam has made significant contributions to international organisations and forums, particularly the United Nations (UN) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Viet Nam has proactively proposed innovative solutions and made valuable contributions to global challenges such as climate change, emissions reduction, peace and stability in Africa, and humanitarian assistance in Turkey. Viet Nam's reputation has grown significantly in recent years, as evidenced by its election to numerous prominent international roles and positions, particularly within ASEAN and the United Nations. These include the Vice President of the 77th United Nations General Assembly, a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 term, and seats on the World Heritage Committee and the International Law Commission. To date, Viet Nam has been a member of 70 international forums and cooperation mechanisms, and has signed 16 FTAs.
At the 32nd Diplomatic Conference on 19 December 2023, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong stated that foreign affairs and diplomacy since the 13th Congress to date, especially in 2023, have "achieved many important and historic results, becoming an impressive highlight among the overall achievements of the country". The key factors contributing to the success were: the visionary leadership and guidance of the Party and State; secondly, the seamless and effective coordination among Party foreign affairs, State diplomacy, and people's diplomacy; thirdly, the unity, determination, and concerted efforts of the entire political system; and fourthly, the strong consensus and support of the Vietnamese people, both domestically and internationally.
Reporter: Sir, the trends of digital transformation, green transformation, circular economy, semiconductor chip manufacturing, and regional & international economic cooperation are creating new opportunities. In the challenging global environment of 2024, do you believe that the strategy of "bamboo diplomacy" in the economy should be a priority in 2024?
Mr. Nguyen Hong Hue: Viet Nam is well-positioned to become a developed country with a high income, a strong, prosperous, and happy population by 2045. This is thanks to a number of favourable trends, including digital transformation, green transformation, the circular economy, and regional & international economic cooperation. In recent years, especially following the outbreak of the global pandemic, Viet Nam has been recognised by the international community as a country with exemplary economic, social and competitive performance. It has become a hub for renewable energy and a destination for foreign investment.
Viet Nam's "bamboo diplomacy" strategy is gaining recognition and praise globally. It is characterised by a combination of resilience, determination, flexibility, creativity and courage in the face of challenges. At the 32nd Diplomatic Conference, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong once again referenced Viet Nam's "bamboo diplomacy" approach. It is essential that Viet Nam operationalises the concept of "bamboo diplomacy" in the economic sphere. In the context of a volatile world in 2024, the IMF advises developing countries to implement a flexible and creative strategy to attract international capital flows. In Vietnamese culture, this strategy is known as "bamboo diplomacy" and can be applied flexibly and creatively in the economy. Viet Nam can leverage this strategy to build a "Peaceful Economy" model in the context of a volatile and unstable world in 2024.
Reporter: In 2023 and early 2024, Viet Nam will engage in a number of notable diplomatic activities. How would you assess the country's foreign policy and diplomacy in the current period?
Mr. Nguyen Hong Hue: Viet Nam is now viewed in a more favourable light by countries around the world, with a growing sense of admiration and respect. Professor Dr Bharti Chhibber, an expert on Viet Nam, has stated that the "bamboo diplomacy" approach, coupled with a flexible foreign policy, has resulted in significant achievements for Viet Nam in international relations during 2023. The high number of foreign visits by Vietnamese leaders to strategic partners and neighbours has fostered trust and reinforced cooperation across a range of sectors.
In particular, during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's visit to Australia from 08-09 March 2024, Viet Nam and Australia upgraded their relation to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, thereby establishing a closer, more trustworthy and intimate relationship between Viet Nam and Australia. From a country under siege and embargo, to date, our country has successfully established diplomatic relations with 193 countries. These include seven countries (including five permanent members of the UN Security Council) as comprehensive strategic partners, 11 strategic partners and 12 comprehensive partners. This demonstrates the success of Viet Nam's foreign policy, especially its unique 'bamboo diplomacy'.
It can be stated that the position, prestige and image of Viet Nam, a loyal and reliable partner, is currently as prominent in the international arena as it has ever been.
Reporter: Please give your views on how the country's foreign policy and diplomacy, which has been described as having a strong identity akin to that of 'Vietnamese bamboo', will develop and gain influence in the coming years.
Mr. Nguyen Hong Hue: I believe that in the coming years, Viet Nam's foreign policy and diplomacy, which has been described as having a strong identity akin to "Vietnamese bamboo", will develop and exert significant influence on countries around the world. Following Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's visit, Australian officials provided the following assessment: Viet Nam has established favourable relations with the majority of countries and occupies a significant position on the international stage. Other countries would do well to take a leaf out of Viet Nam's book. Vietnamese diplomacy in the Ho Chi Minh era was characterised by independence, autonomy, multilateralism, diversity and international integration. It was a principled, flexible and just approach that prioritised peace, cooperation and the advancement of humanity. Viet Nam's "bamboo diplomacy" offers a valuable model for countries to emulate, particularly in the context of significant costs incurred in terms of human life, the environment and financial resources, often as a result of prolonged military conflicts.
Reporter: As an overseas Vietnamese businessman, how do you evaluate Viet Nam's foreign policies and guidelines?
Mr. Nguyen Hong Hue (Peter Hong): I am an overseas Vietnamese national currently residing in Australia. I returned to Viet Nam in the 1990s, having spent over 30 years living and working in Viet Nam. During this time, I have observed significant developments in the country. I have observed that Vietnamese diplomacy consistently demonstrates a comprehensive understanding and innovative application of Ho Chi Minh’s ideology. This is evidenced by the effective implementation of the principles and strategies outlined by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong: "steadfast in principles and flexible in strategies; gentle and clever but also very resilient and determined." The successful execution of foreign policy has contributed to our country's continued growth and prosperity, enhancing the quality of life for our people.
Reporter: In light of the current policy for overseas Vietnamese, what strategies could be employed to mobilise and encourage overseas Vietnamese intellectuals and businessmen to contribute to the country's development?
Mr. Nguyen Hong Hue: I have authored numerous articles and participated in numerous interviews with newspapers and radio stations regarding the proposal of solutions to mobilise and encourage overseas Vietnamese, intellectuals and businessmen to contribute to the development of the country. The Prime Minister's Decision No. 1334/QD-TTg, dated 10 November 2023, approving the Project "Promoting resources of overseas Vietnamese to serve the development of the country in the new situation" is of particular importance for the work of overseas Vietnamese in the modern era. In light of the objectives and solutions outlined in the project, it is crucial for all levels and sectors to closely align with the country's development priorities and implement them in a concrete and practical manner. Furthermore, it is essential to continuously enhance the policy and legal frameworks pertaining to overseas Vietnamese, including policies on attracting, employing and treating overseas Vietnamese experts and intellectuals, and policies to attract investment, business and technology transfer from overseas Vietnamese. Only through these measures can overseas Vietnamese truly become a valuable asset in the pursuit of national construction and development.
Reporter: The 20th anniversary of Resolution 36 of the Politburo on work with overseas Vietnamese is approaching in 2024. In light of the current context, what steps should we take to further promote the spirit of this Resolution?
Mr. Nguyen Hong Hue: It can be stated that 2024 represents a pivotal year for the overseas Vietnamese community, marking a turning point in their work. The summary of 20 years of implementing Resolution No. 36-NQ/TW, dated 26 March 2004, of the Politburo (9th tenure) on work with overseas Vietnamese provides an opportunity for all levels, sectors and the entire political system to provide feedback. It is essential to assess the advantages and limitations, identify the underlying causes, draw lessons and propose practical solutions to further promote the resources of overseas Vietnamese in the coming years. It is also important to reiterate that overseas Vietnamese are an integral part of the Vietnamese community and an invaluable resource in the cause of national construction and development. This also provides the basis for our Party to set out guidelines and policies, particularly in regard to foreign policy and policies towards overseas Vietnamese, during the 14th Party Congress term. The recognition, assessment and summary of 20 years of implementing Resolution 36 of the Politburo on work with overseas Vietnamese contributes to clarifying the superiority of "bamboo diplomacy" in the new situation.
Reporter: Thank you very much! Wishing you good health and together with the BAOOV Executive Board, we will build the Association to grow stronger!
Video
