Pham Van Dong and Vietnamese Foreign Policy in the New Development Period
In the history of the 20th-century Vietnamese revolution, Pham Van Dong was one of the most prominent leaders, dedicating his entire life to the struggle for national independence, nation-building, and defense. In terms of foreign policy, he made immense contributions, shaping and developing an independent and autonomous foreign policy for Vietnam.
As the country enters a new phase of development requiring comprehensive and proactive international integration and participation, the study, inheritance, and creative application of Pham Van Dong’s ideological legacy, diplomatic style, and methods become crucial for the effective implementation of the Party’s foreign policy, especially the guidelines set at the 14th National Congress.
Pham Van Dong was a revolutionary leader who matured through practical experiences in the Vietnamese revolution. His life was closely intertwined with the pivotal moments in the nation’s history, from power struggles in 1945 to resistance against colonialism and imperialism, socialist construction in the North, the fight for national reunification, and homeland defense. His deep connection with revolutionary practice led to a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between domestic and foreign affairs, national construction and defense, and national power within the historical context. This vision later became a hallmark of the Prime Minister’s foreign policy.
Former Prime Minister Pham Van Dong was an exceptional disciple, close and loyal to President Ho Chi Minh. Living 95 years, with 75 dedicated to revolution, he served in the Politburo for 35 years, as Prime Minister for 32 years, and as an advisor to the Party’s Central Committee for 10 years. His early formation within the Vietnamese revolutionary movement, enduring colonial prisons, clandestine struggles, and the harsh challenges of the resistance war, not only solidified his unwavering political determination but also shaped his sharp theoretical thinking, scientific work methods, and exemplary conduct. This essential foundation allowed the revolutionary Pham Van Dong to undertake many significant strategic responsibilities within the Party and the state for decades.
One of Pham Van Dong’s remarkable contributions to Vietnamese diplomacy was his role in shaping and developing an independent and autonomous foreign policy mindset, placing national interests above all else. In the complex international context of the Cold War, where small countries faced immense pressures from major powers, maintaining political independence and decision-making autonomy was an absolute necessity. Pham Van Dong consistently defended this principle while skillfully managing relationships with partners based on mutual respect and alignment with the country’s strategic interests. This valuable approach became a cornerstone of Vietnamese foreign policy throughout history.
Pham Van Dong’s diplomatic style was characterized by a harmonious blend of principles and flexibility, unwavering strategic goals, adaptable tactics, reason, and humanism. Throughout his career in foreign policy, he always championed the absolute primacy of national interests. This spirit aligns with recent Party documents emphasizing the preservation of independence and autonomy as the fundamental principle in shaping and implementing foreign policy to prevent the country from becoming dependent on major powers or entangled in their strategic competition.
In his interactions with heads of state, political figures, and international media, Prime Minister Pham Van Dong displayed calmness, rigor in argumentation, and persuasive eloquence, establishing Vietnam as a peace-loving nation, unyielding in its independence, and respectful of international law. This style not only elevated the leader’s personal prestige but also contributed to shaping the image of Ho Chi Minh’s diplomacy and Vietnamese revolutionary diplomacy.
Pham Van Dong’s intellectual legacy demonstrates that foreign policy is inseparable from homeland defense and nation-building. It must serve development while maintaining a peaceful and stable environment conducive to progress. This valuable lesson directly guides the implementation of the Party’s foreign policy guidelines from the 14th National Congress.
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In summary, the diplomatic legacy of the late Prime Minister Pham Van Dong constitutes an important part of our Party’s and State’s intellectual and practical heritage in foreign policy. It reflects unwavering political determination, visionary strategic thinking, and an exemplary diplomatic style infused with humanity and great persuasive ability.
As the country enters a new development phase requiring deep integration and increased international influence, the study, inheritance, and creative application of these values are of practical importance for effectively implementing the guidelines of the Party’s foreign policy from the 14th National Congress. This contributes to building a comprehensive, professional, and modern Vietnamese diplomacy for rapid and sustainable development, as well as the maintenance of independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
SOURCE: Vietnamese Foreign Policy
