“Bamboo diplomacy” is a diplomatic school that symbolizes the foreign policy the Communist Party of Vietnam has been implementing. This school is built on the motto "Firm in objectives, flexible in strategies and tactics."
Unique strategy for diplomacy
Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong applied the term "Vietnamese bamboo" metaphorically to Vietnamese diplomacy at the 2016 National Diplomatic Conference. Vietnamese bamboo is light but strong, flexible and adaptive in any situation. At the 2021 National Diplomatic Conference on implementing the 13th National Party Congress Resolution, the Party leader said: "Over the past 90 years, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Vietnamese diplomacy has promoted Vietnam’s identity, cultural roots, and national traditions, selectively absorbed the world's quintessence and progressive ideas of the times, and developed on the theoretical foundation of Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought. Vietnam has created a unique diplomatic strategy resembling Vietnamese bamboo – steadfast in principle and flexible in strategy, light and flexible but strong, creative but courageous and steadfast against all difficulties and challenges, compassionate but resolute and persistent in protecting national interests."
At the National Diplomatic Conference last December, Mr. Trong stressed the need to continue to develop Vietnamese diplomacy to make it modern, strong, and like Vietnamese bamboo.
Undeniable effectiveness
Foreign affairs in the spirit of "bamboo diplomacy" have helped to create a peaceful, stable environment, protect national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, serve socio-economic development, and enhance Vietnam’s international position and reputation.
Since the beginning of the 13th Party Central Committee’s term in early 2021, Vietnam has expanded and deepened relations with partners, focusing on neighboring countries, important partners, and traditional friends.
In December 2023, Vietnam and China issued a Joint Communiqué with 36 agreements. The two sides agreed to build a Vietnam-China Community of Shared Future with strategic significance, striving for the happiness of the two peoples, for peace and the progress of humanity, in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.
In September 2023, Vietnam and the US upgraded bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development. The United States supports a strong, independent, prosperous, and self-reliant Vietnam.
Vietnam has continued to participate in regional and global mechanisms and forums to adapt to the world's trends, while best serving national interests. Vietnam's partnership network has been consolidated, expanded, and deepened with increasing commonalities and intertwining interests, of which cooperation with the OECD is an example.
Despite not being a full member of the OECD, Vietnam has over the years participated in policy reform, investment promotion, and public administration to promote socio-economic goals. Vietnam and the OECD are implementing several specific projects under their Cooperation Action Program, including the Report on the Quality of Foreign Direct Investment and the Vietnam Economic Report.
At the ongoing Ministerial Council Conference, Minister Son will deliver remarks at a session commemorating the 10th anniversary of the OECD's Southeast Asia Program and a session on promoting a sustainable and inclusive economy.
Amid global uncertainties, rife with divisions and conflicts, Vietnam continues with its bamboo diplomacy to affirm its position as a reliable and responsible partner, joining others to build good relations based on the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.