The trip of the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang to China would be the first of a series of visits abroad as head of state. This comes as Vietnam seeks to play a more significant role in geopolitics.
Tran Dai Quang, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Republic, arrived in China on Tuesday, April 14 for his first foreign visit as head of state, signaling the priorities of Vietnam’s foreign policy, according to Channel News Asia (CNA).
His visit to China would be the first of a series of visits abroad as head of state. Thanks to his leadership as the Party Secretary and President, 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, reflecting a broader evolution formalized during the 14th National Party Congress in 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 ministerial Vietnam-China “3+3” strategic dialogue, focusing on 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, all 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 clear goals: maintaining economic growth and enhancing its defensive capacity proactively.
Senior Research Fellow and Coordinator of the Vietnamese Studies program at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute Lye Liang Fook said this change comes amid increasing uncertainties.
“In the current context of numerous geopolitical upheavals that could undermine regional peace and stability, the country’s proactive and distance defense has become a priority for the Party,” he emphasized. “That’s why, in my opinion, the Party has consistently placed paramount importance on foreign policy.”
Lye Liang Fook, a senior associate researcher at the institute, said Vietnam’s desire to play a larger role at this particular 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 is seeking a more significant role in geopolitics,” he stated.
According to this researcher, given the challenges faced globally, Vietnam, like other countries, will need to take a more active role to diversify its risks, seek new market opportunities, and collaborate with key partners to sustain its growth and maintain stability.
Additionally, 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 UN peacekeeping missions in Africa over the past decade demonstrates, according to analysts, Vietnam’s willingness to take on greater responsibilities at the global level.
“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 engagements,” emphasized Lye Liang Fook from the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. – VNA/VI.
