Vietnam charts a bold path with ‘strategic autonomy’ ahead of key Party Congress
Vietnam's top leader, General Secretary To Lam, recently delivered a keynote speech at the University of Oxford, highlighting the country's foreign policy focus on independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation, and development. The speech was well-received by British political scientists.
Viet Nam's foreign policy aims to be independent in thought, flexible in practice, and steady in principle. A key concept emerging in the draft documents is 'strategic autonomy', expanding the principle of independence and self-reliance. This includes institutional autonomy, which requires transparent, adaptable governance that remains true to socialist principles while embracing reform and modernisation.
The country is preparing for the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party, scheduled for late January next year. This Congress will set Viet Nam's direction for the years ahead and discuss draft policy documents, including those focusing on strategic autonomy. The Congress will also discuss economic autonomy, seen as the root of all other autonomies, requiring a combination of domestic innovation and global market participation.
Viet Nam maintains strong diplomatic ties, with relationships with 195 countries, strategic partnerships with 10, and comprehensive partnerships with 17, including all five permanent members of the UN Security Council and the G7. This has helped Viet Nam maintain its position as a key manufacturing hub during global supply chain disruptions, thanks to its stable foreign policy. Technological mastery is also seen as crucial for Viet Nam to chart its own course in the digital era.
Party General Secretary Tô Lâm has emphasized the need to build 'comprehensive strategic autonomy' since taking office. As Viet Nam prepares for the 14th National Congress, the country is set to discuss and implement policies that will further enhance its independence, self-reliance, and autonomy in the global arena.
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