Nguyen Phu Trong’s 'bamboo Diplomacy' Shapes Vietnam's Foreign Policy

KUALA LUMPUR, July 26 (Bernama) -- Vietnam’s “bamboo diplomacy” under the late General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nguyen Phu Trong, has profoundly influenced the country’s foreign policy, including its relations with Malaysia.

Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Datuk Tan Yang Thai said Trong showed his adeptness through the implementation of “bamboo diplomacy”, skillfully strengthening Vietnam's international standing and diversifying its foreign relations.

“He had focused on balancing Vietnam's relationships with major powers while promoting Vietnam's role in regional organisations, such as ASEAN.

“This has increased Vietnam's diplomatic influence and provided opportunities for economic partnerships,” said the diplomat, expressing his deep sympathy over the death of the Vietnamese Party leader during an interview with Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

Trong, 80, reportedly died of old age.

Tan said the "bamboo diplomacy" approach emphasised resilience, flexibility, and adaptability, akin to the characteristics of bamboo, “which bends but does not break under pressure”.

“Vietnam pursues a multi-dimensional foreign policy that focuses on balancing relations with major powers, enhancing regional cooperation, deepening global integration, and promoting peace and stability, without compromising its core national interests and sovereignty,” he said.

Tan said Trong’s leadership emphasised the importance of ASEAN unity and cooperation, which includes both Malaysia and Vietnam.

During his leadership, efforts were made to enhance bilateral relations between Vietnam and Malaysia, including economic cooperation, trade agreements, and political dialogue to foster mutual understanding and collaboration, he said.

A milestone achievement under his astute leadership was the establishment of the Strategic Partnership between Malaysia and Vietnam in 2015, he said.

“Since then, the relations between the two countries have grown from strength to strength with increased trade and investment, cooperation in education and training, tourism, culture, and people-to-people engagements, as well as exchanges of high-level visits,” he said.

He pointed out that the close relations between Malaysia and Vietnam were nurtured and maintained until it reached the significant 50-year anniversary mark last year, during which Trong met with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during his visit to Hanoi, Vietnam.

Reflecting on Trong's leadership, Tan described him as a sincere and devoted leader with ambitious visions for his country and fellow countrymen.

"He was truly dedicated and tireless in his efforts to serve his country for the betterment of the Vietnamese people," said Tan, noting the rapport between Anwar and Trong during their meeting in Hanoi highlighted Trong's influence.

Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof represented the Malaysian government, paying his last respects and attending the state funeral of Trong in Hanoi on Friday.

-- BERNAMA