Illustration : tuyengiao.vn
In response to the outbreak and escalation of conflict in the Middle East, the spokesperson for the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued two statements on February 28 and March 3, highlighting several points: Vietnam is deeply concerned about the complex and growing conflict in Middle East, which seriously threatens the lives and security of its population, as well as the peace and stability of the region and the world; and opposes any use of force against sovereign states, particularly civilian infrastructure, which results in numerous deaths. Vietnam also calls on all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint, immediately cease any action likely to inflame tensions, protect civilians and critical infrastructure, resolve disputes by peaceful means, and scrupulously respect international law, the United Nations Charter and resolutions. relevant, to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations and to create conditions conducive to peace negotiations for security, safety, peace and stability in the region and in the world.
However, on social networks, reactionary and dissatisfied forces are exploiting this incident to attack Vietnamese diplomacy, describing it as mechanical, rigid, content to express “deep concern”, or even a vague position, lacking firmness, or even “hesitant”. This subjective and speculative tone did not appear with the start of the conflict in the Middle East; it has in fact become a tactic frequently employed after each statement by the spokesperson of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on international issues.
First of all, the expression “deep concern” is commonly used in diplomatic declarations or messages from nations, to express their concern, their fear, or even their warning about the developments and consequences of serious international events and problems. Of course, the level of reaction expressed in each message depends on many factors, such as the role or importance of the nation involved in the issue at hand.
It is clear that Vietnam is neither directly involved nor participating in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Therefore, expressing concern about the use of force, calling on countries to respect international law, defuse tensions, resume negotiations and promote dialogue constitutes a prudent step, based on international law, and demonstrates its responsibility towards the international community by taking a position in favor of peace. This approach is consistent with the role of a country outside the conflict and committed to peace. In fact, since the start of hostilities in the Middle East, many countries in Europe and Asia have sent similar messages to Vietnam.
It is also worth affirming that the recent statement, as well as previous statements by the spokesperson of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are well-considered messages, based on a foreign policy position coherent and on a multifaceted impact assessment, and not simple gratuitous declarations. Because everyone understands that in international relations, each declaration and each word carries considerable political and diplomatic weight.
The above-mentioned messages are based on adherence to an independent, autonomous, peaceful, friendly, cooperative and development-oriented foreign policy; on multilateralism and the diversification of international relations; and on the role of friend, reliable partner and responsible member of the international community. This was affirmed not only in Party documents, but also through the concrete implementation of the country’s foreign policy actions.
The statement regarding the situation in the Middle East partly reflects one of the fundamental principles of Vietnam’s “four no” defense policy: “do not align with one country against another.” In other words, Vietnam does not take sides in conflicts or strategic competition between great powers, but sides with righteousness, justice and international law, in accordance with the spirit expressed by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh during his visit to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in May 2022: In a world marked by volatility, strategic competition and multitude of choices, Vietnam does not choose sides, but chooses righteousness, equity, justice and righteousness, based on the principles of international law, the United Nations Charter, equality, mutual interest and solutions win-win.
An objective analysis reveals that the constant and rigorous implementation of the above-mentioned principles has enabled Vietnam to maintain a balance in its international relations and, above all, to avoid being drawn into conflicts, rivalries and confrontations between great powers. a peaceful and stable environment conducive to national development and has increasingly contributed to the stability and prosperity of the region and the world.
Vietnam’s expression of its concern over serious problems in international affairs does not amount to avoidance, but on the contrary testifies to the finesse and wisdom of its diplomacy in this area. Historical experience in international relations has demonstrated that impulsive emotional statements or ill-considered remarks can damage relations between nations, leading them to confrontation or even war, and resulting in immense human losses and lasting consequences on politics, security, economy and development.
Speculation and attacks on Vietnam’s diplomatic statements do not analyze Vietnam’s position on international issues, but are mainly aimed at manipulating public opinion, leading it to conclude that Vietnam is pursuing a passive and vague diplomatic approach, thereby eroding public trust.
Thwarting these subversive tactics and remaining vigilant against them is how each citizen and each Internet user can concretely contribute to the protection of the country’s foreign policy and the peaceful and stable environment it currently enjoys.
According to the People’s Army newspaper
Source : https://baoninhbinh.org.vn/nhin-thau-am-muu-chong-pha-duong-loi-doi-ngoai-cua-viet-nam-260316101018137.html
