The recent overseas visit of Vietnam's new leader, To Lam, to China underscores the strategic importance Vietnam places on its relationship with its giant neighbor. By choosing China as his first destination since taking office, Lam signals a continuation of the delicate diplomatic balancing act that Vietnam has maintained under his predecessors. Despite strengthening ties with the United States, Japan, and other global powers, Vietnam continues to prioritize its relationship with China, reflecting the complex geopolitical landscape in which it operates.
Lam’s visit comes shortly after his confirmation as the general secretary of Vietnam’s Communist Party, the country’s most powerful political position. His visit to China, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping, reinforces the longstanding, albeit sometimes contentious, relationship between the two one-party communist states. Despite historical territorial disputes in the South China Sea and a brief border war in 1979, the two nations have deep economic ties, with China being Vietnam’s largest trading partner. Chinese investments, particularly in manufacturing, have bolstered Vietnam’s economy, helping it navigate U.S. trade restrictions on Chinese goods.
Lam’s diplomatic approach appears to align with that of his predecessor, Nguyen Phu Trong, who maintained a strategy of balancing Vietnam’s relationships with major global powers, including China, the United States, and Russia. This approach is crucial as Vietnam navigates the complex regional dynamics, particularly the strategic rivalry between the U.S. and China.
While Lam’s visit highlights the importance of China in Vietnam’s foreign policy, it also reflects Vietnam’s broader strategy of diversifying its international relationships to safeguard its national interests. As Vietnam continues to strengthen its ties with various global powers, it aims to maintain a balanced foreign policy that ensures its sovereignty, economic growth, and regional stability.
