“Vietnamese bamboo diplomacy” philosophy: The essence of the Party’s theory on foreign relations in the renovation period

DR DINH THANH TU
MSc. LE THE LAM
Political Academy Region I

1. Introduction

In recent years, the term “bamboo diplomacy” has been used by researchers and Vietnamese leaders in various conferences, scientific forums, and media. However, the term “Vietnamese bamboo diplomacy” philosophy was first mentioned in the speech by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at the National Foreign Affairs Conference implementing the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress (Congress), on December 14, 2021. This officially marked the formal recognition of a distinct Vietnamese diplomatic philosophy - the “Vietnamese bamboo diplomacy” philosophy.

In his speech, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong emphasized: “We are determined to build and develop a modern Vietnamese foreign policy and diplomacy imbued with national identity - the “Vietnamese bamboo diplomacy” philosophy”(1). This is the crystallization of the Party’s innovative thinking on foreign relations during the renovation period, characterized by a uniquely Vietnamese identity.

2. About the “Vietnamese bamboo diplomacy” philosophy

The process of renovating the Party’s theoretical thinking on foreign affairs began at the 6th National Party Congress (1986). This process involved renewing perceptions, approaches, and evaluations of the global situation and international relations, particularly issues related to the era, such as: the content, characteristics, and nature of the age; matters of war and peace; revolutionary forces; modern capitalism; and current global trends. It also required a shift in approaches to formulating foreign policy, determining objectives, guiding principles, and priorities(2).

Like other fields, renovation in theoretical thinking on foreign affairs plays a fundamental role, serving as a basis for renovation of guidelines, policies, objectives, mottos, and principles of foreign affairs and diplomacy. This process has been carried out regularly and continuously by our Party since 1986, demonstrated through documents of congresses, conferences of the Central Executive Committee, conferences of the Politburo, and implemented through the State’s guidelines and policies.

The 6^th Congress marked the beginning of this renovation of theoretical thinking, the Politburo’s Resolution No. 13/BCT (May 20, 1988) represented a breakthrough, and the National Foreign Relations Conference on implementing the 13th National Congress Resolution (December 14, 2021) symbolized the crystallization of this thinking. This conference highlighted the distinct features of Vietnam’s foreign policy through the formal introduction of the “Vietnamese Bamboo Diplomacy” philosophy. Previously, the image of the bamboo tree was mainly used by domestic and foreign historical researchers as an easy-to-understand way to illustrate the flexible foreign policies of some East Asian countries during the modern period. However, in the 21st century, the term “bamboo diplomacy” has gained traction among researchers and policymakers in Vietnam. General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s speech on December 14, 2021, officially articulated the “Vietnamese Bamboo Diplomacy” philosophy, characterized by the qualities of bamboo: “strong roots, sturdy trunk, and flexible branches - imbued with the soul, character, and resilience of the Vietnamese people”(3).

Simply put, the “Vietnamese Bamboo Diplomacy” philosophy is a distinctively Vietnamese approach to diplomacy, aligned with the Ho Chi Minh era, meeting all criteria for a foreign relations framework. It is grounded in Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought as its ideological foundation and compass. It was planned and implemented by combining national strength (in terms of geopolitics, economics, military, science and technology, culture, history, etc.) with the dynamics of regional and global contexts.

The “Vietnamese bamboo diplomacy” philosophy has been tested and proven in practice, yielding valuable lessons, while embodying Vietnam’s unique foreign policy identity. It adheres to the principles of independence, autonomy, national sovereignty, peace, harmony, friendship, tolerance, proactivity, cleverness, and flexibility, aiming at “ensuring the highest national interests, based on the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law- equality, cooperation, and mutual benefit”(4).

The “Vietnamese Bamboo Diplomacy” philosophy is built on profound theoretical foundations, harmonizing the best of Eastern and Western ideologies. At its core is Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought on foreign relations and diplomacy. Ho Chi Minh’s ideas, methods, and diplomatic style are the most fundamental and important sources of this approach. These encompass “a comprehensive system of views on international issues and Vietnam’s revolutionary strategies and tactics in global relations”(5), which the 7th National Congress affirmed as “the ideological foundation and guiding principle of the Party”. Notable among its ideological legacies and guidelines for foreign affairs are: national independence linked with socialism; national interests are paramount; combining national strength and the times; national independence, self-reliance, self-strengthening via international solidarity and cooperation; valuing relations with neighboring countries, as well as with regional and major powers; emphasize “public diplomacy” and people’s diplomacy; consistent adaptation and flexibility to circumstances; grasp opportunities and achieve incremental victories, and so on.

In addition to Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought, the “Vietnamese bamboo diplomacy” philosophy is a product of the crystallization, inheritance and development of the Party’s renovating process on the theoretical thinking regarding foreign affairs and diplomacy. Resolution No. 13-NQ/TW dated May 20, 1988, of the Politburo of the 6th tenure advocated building “an open foreign policy”. Since then, our Party has gradually renewed its understanding and thinking on foreign affairs: “Vietnam wants to be friends with all countries in the global community, striving for peace, independence and development” (7th Congress); “Vietnam is ready to be a friend and a reliable partner of all countries in the international community, striving for peace, independence and development” (9th Congress); “Vietnam actively participates in the process of international and regional cooperation” (10th Congress); “Vietnam is a friend, a reliable partner and an active, responsible member of the international community” (11th Congress); “Vietnam is a friend, a reliable partner and an active, responsible member of the international community” (13th Congress)(6).

In the process of national renovation, our Party has consistently advocated for international integration according to a roadmap, emphasizing both focus and priorities. From the initial policy of “economic integration,” highlighted as “accelerating regional and global economic integration” (8th Party Congress), to “proactively and actively integrating into the international economy while expanding international cooperation in other fields” (10th Party Congress), progressing further to “proactively and actively engaging in international integration” (11th and 12th Party Congresses), and ultimately advancing to “proactively and comprehensively, deeply engaging in international integration” (13th Party Congress). This includes the directive to “build a comprehensive, modern diplomacy founded on three pillars: Party diplomacy, state diplomacy, and people-to-people diplomacy”(7) and to “effectively combine economic, cultural, social, and foreign affairs with national defense and security, and vice versa”(8).

In particular, the Party’s renovation in foreign affairs is also reflected in its flexible, adaptable, and diverse response to the global landscape’s complex and changing material realities. General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong summarized and developed the Party’s theory on foreign policy, which is “ distinctive and unique philosophy of foreign affairs and diplomacy of the Ho Chi Minh era, imbued with the character of the “Vietnamese bamboo tree”, with “firm roots, strong trunks, and flexible branches”. It embodies softness and ingenuity but also resilience and decisiveness; adaptability and creativity but also steadfastness and courage in the face of challenges and difficulties for the sake of national independence and the people’s freedom and happiness. It is about solidary and friendliness but unwavering and persistent defense of the nation’s and people’s interests. It reflects the wisdom of knowing when to be flexible and firm, understanding context and circumstances, recognizing self and others, and knowing when to advance or retreat, using strategies like ‘adaptability’ and ‘gentle strength binds tightly’”(9). This represents not only a theoretical breakthrough in the Party’s foreign policy but also a personal contribution by the General Secretary and a crystallization of the intelligence and quintessence of foreign policy theory of the Vietnamese people during the renovation period.

In addition to Marxism-Leninism, Ho Chi Minh Thought and the inheritance and development of the Party’s foreign policy theories, the “Vietnamese bamboo diplomacy” philosophy is also built on the basis of history, diplomatic tradition, and the strong national identity of Vietnam. This tradition was nurtured, fostered, and tempered throughout history through the process of preventing natural disasters, fighting against foreign invaders, as well as in the process of building and developing the country, spanning eras from Van Lang - Au Lac, Trieu, Ly, Tran, Le, etc., to the Ho Chi Minh era. These traditions include ardent patriotism, a spirit of self-reliance and resilience, national solidarity, a sense of community connecting individuals, families, villages, and the Fatherland; compassion, tolerance, emphasis on ethical values and righteousness; diligence, creativity in labor; finesse in interpersonal interactions, and simplicity in lifestyle(10).

The “Vietnamese bamboo diplomacy” philosophy has a distinct Vietnamese identity, reflecting Vietnam’s worldview, outlook on life and cultural approach to international relations. This includes maintaining independence, autonomy and national sovereignty; peace, harmony, friendship, tolerance; proactivity, cleverness and flexibility.

On the level of cultural exchange and acculturation, the “Vietnamese bamboo diplomacy” philosophy was founded on selectively integrating global theoretical advancements in international relations and diplomacy, tailored to Vietnam’s specific circumstances. This includes the application of “realism” in international relations theory and the concepts of “soft power” and “smart power” in foreign policy, all aimed at achieving the primary goal of “national interests above all else” in a multipolar, multicentric world where pragmatism in international relations is increasingly prevalent.

3. Diplomacy of “knowing oneself and knowing the enemy”, “knowing the time and knowing the situation”, “combining softness and firmness”.

In the work “Building and developing a comprehensive and modern Vietnamese foreign affairs and diplomacy imbued with the identity of “Vietnamese bamboo”, when referring to the position and role of foreign affairs in the cause of building and defending the Fatherland, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong emphasized: “Foreign affairs and diplomacy play a pioneering role in maintaining a peaceful and stable environment, making an important contribution to firmly protecting the independence, sovereignty, sovereign rights, unity, and territorial integrity of the country. The country’s international stature and prestige in the region and the world are increasingly elevated, actively and responsibly contributing to maintaining peace, cooperation and progress globally”(11).

Given the above-mentioned position and role of foreign affairs, “knowing oneself and knowing others”, “knowing the time and knowing the situation” form the basis for policy formulation, and are simultaneously central to implementing the “Vietnamese bamboo diplomacy” philosophy. Recently, Vietnam has implemented a series of flexible and adaptable measures in international relations. Notably, Vietnam has balanced relationships with major powers, including the United States, China, Russia, Japan, India, the UK, France, Germany, and Australia-countries whose influence shapes global and regional orders, especially in the Indo-Pacific and Southeast Asia, all during a period in which these powers both cooperate and compete fiercely. While emphasizing the role of these powers in regional dynamics, Vietnam also maintains balanced relationships, demonstrating sufficient flexibility to stand firm and grow despite external pressures(12).

Alongside strengthening relations with superpowers and powerful countries (P5, G7, G20), Vietnam continues to prioritize its position, and role with friendly, traditional, comprehensive strategic countries, especially with neighboring countries, with a special emphasis on countries that share land and sea borders with Vietnam. On the one hand, Vietnam implements its policy of “valuing the development of friendly and traditional cooperative relations with neighboring countries”(13), Vietnam firmly defends issues related to independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and the unified leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, on the other hand, Vietnam flexibly and smoothly handles sensitive issues related to bilateral and multilateral relations with neighboring countries. Consequently, Vietnam maintains and develops special, traditional, and amicable relations with Laos and Cambodia and elevates its comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with China. Vietnam continues to consolidate and enhance its central role in ASEAN’s integration processes and in shaping the evolving security architecture of the Asia-Pacific and Indo-Pacific regions.

Regarding international and regional hotspots such as the nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula, the East Sea disputes, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Middle East, etc., Vietnam does not align with specific sides but upholds justice and fairness. Vietnam always upholds and respects the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter; international law and multilateral mechanisms and is deeply concerned over conflicts. Vietnam urges parties to prioritize resolving issues through political and peaceful solutions and avoids escalating armed conflicts. Vietnam supports peace and advocates for a rules-based international order.

Over nearly a decade of implementing the “Vietnamese Bamboo Diplomacy” philosophy comprehensively and deeply, and following the policy: “Combining national strength with the strength of the times, proactively and actively integrating comprehensively and extensively into the international community; Vietnam is a friend, a reliable partner and an active and responsible member of the international community”(14), as of November 2023, Vietnam has established relations with 247 parties in 111 countries around the world; maintains diplomatic relations with 192 countries and territories, including 3 countries with special relations, 5 countries with comprehensive strategic partnerships, 13 countries with strategic partnerships and 12 countries with comprehensive partnerships(15). Vietnam is an active and responsible member of more than 70 important international organizations and forums in the region and the world and has economic and trade relations with 230 countries and territories, while participating in more than 500 bilateral and multilateral agreements, and so on(16).

Our Party has drawn a number of valuable lessons for Vietnam’s foreign affairs and diplomacy:

First, the overarching and unchanging lesson is to always ensure the direct and comprehensive leadership of the Party and the centralized management of the State over foreign affairs and diplomacy.

Second, remaining steadfast in principles, flexible in strategies, “remain constant and adapt to all changes”; and ensure the highest national interests based on international law.

Third, combine national strength with the strength of the times, harmoniously handling the relationship between national interests and international obligations and responsibilities.

Fourth, foreign affairs and diplomacy are the cause of the entire Party, the entire people, and the entire political system.

Fifth, focusing on organizational structure and cadre training, enhancing professional competence, political acumen, and cultivating ethics and lifestyle discipline.

4. Conclusion

Amid the current unpredictable and volatile global landscape, where ideology no longer dominates and interdependence among nations grows deeper, etc. Vietnam has announced and implemented the “Vietnamese bamboo diplomacy” philosophy with all the evaluation criteria of a foreign policy philosophy, making an important contribution to the cause of building and defending the Fatherland.

Vietnam has strengthened relations with neighboring countries, balances relations with major countries, responds objectively to international issues, and gradually consolidates and enhances its position and role in the international arena. The “Vietnamese bamboo diplomacy” philosophy is the crystallization and quintessence of our country’s foreign affairs and diplomacy theories in the renovation period. Tested and proven through practice, it has garnered high praise domestically and internationally. As noted by Mr. Amiad Horowitz - Member of the International Department and Peace and Solidarity Commission of the Communist Party of the United States commented: “Vietnam’s diplomatic approach demonstrates independence and strength in a decisive manner, but at the same time is flexible, seeking to maintain peaceful relations with all countries and peoples of the world. Vietnam’s “bamboo diplomacy” provides a better model for countries around the world, a model that does not compromise the strength and principles of diplomacy, while being flexible and continuing to pursue peace”(17).

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Received: June 10, 2024; Revised: July 17, 2024; Approved for publication: July 24, 2024.

Endnotes:

(1) Nguyen Phu Trong: Some theoretical and practical issues on socialism and the path to socialism in Vietnam, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2022, pp.170, 637.

(2) Duong Van Quang (Editor-in-Chief): Vietnam in the process of integration and development, The Gioi Publishing House, Hanoi, 2009, p.89.

(3), (6), (9), (11), (15), (16), (17) Nguyen Phu Trong: Building and developing a comprehensive and modern Vietnamese foreign affairs and diplomacy imbued with the identity of “Vietnamese bamboo”, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2023, pp.40, 26, 154, 18, 6, 30, 689-690.

(4), (7), (8), (13) Communist Party of Vietnam: Documents of the 13th National Party Congress, vol.I, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, pp. 161-162, 57, 57, 162.

(5) Dinh Xuan Ly: Ho Chi Minh’s thoughts on foreign affairs, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2007, p.8.

(10) Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Vietnamese diplomacy in the Ho Chi Minh era, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2000, p.310.

(12) Vietnam’s ‘Bamboo’ Foreign Policy Clout, https://www.eria.org, April 25, 2023.

(14) Communist Party of Vietnam: Documents of the 13th National Party Congress, vol.II, op.cit., p.162.