The assessment was made by Professor Chu Zhenming, Honorary Director of the South Asia-Southeast Asia Research Institute under the Yunnan Academy of Social Sciences (China), in a recent media interview in Beijing ahead of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

According to Chu Zhenming, Vietnam’s external activities have become increasingly dynamic in recent years, with both the frequency and depth of exchanges and contacts with countries and international organizations steadily increasing. Since 2015, and particularly in the more recent period, Vietnam has markedly stepped up high-level visits and contacts while broadening bilateral and multilateral cooperation frameworks, underscoring the senior leadership’s proactive role in consolidating and expanding external ties.

From a regional perspective, Vietnam has clearly defined its foreign-policy priorities with neighboring countries, sustaining and steadily developing relations with Laos, Cambodia and China. At the same time, the country has maintained a flexible and balanced stance in its relations with major powers. At present, both China and the United States are comprehensive strategic partners of Vietnam. Chu noted that this not only brings practical benefits in economic, political and security terms, but also helps raise Vietnam’s position and role within a regional landscape undergoing major change.

Within the framework of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Vietnam’s standing has become increasingly evident. Alongside active participation in ASEAN cooperation mechanisms, the country has put forward a growing number of proposals and initiatives on regional issues. Vietnamese views and recommendations at ASEAN meetings have attracted broader consensus and positive assessments from member states, reflecting Vietnam’s increasingly prominent role in the Southeast Asian community.

On the global front, Vietnam’s relations with countries and international organizations continue to expand. The country has been elected to a number of important United Nations bodies, including the UN Human Rights Council. Chu said these roles show international recognition of Vietnam’s efforts and achievements in socio-economic development, as well as in safeguarding and advancing human rights.

Notably, Vietnam’s continued broad support at the UN Human Rights Council is seen as a meaningful achievement, helping counter arguments that portray the country as lacking democracy or failing to ensure human rights. Endorsement from a majority of countries points to a more pragmatic, objective and balanced international assessment of Vietnam’s human rights situation.

The Chinese scholar affirmed that Vietnam’s external activities in recent years have delivered a range of positive and noteworthy outcomes. The country has consistently pursued an independent and self-reliant foreign policy, diversified and multilateralized international relations, and pursued proactive, comprehensive and deep international integration. This orientation is in line with the spirit of successive Party congresses and contributes to shaping a favorable international environment for national development along a socialist path.

Chinese scholar assesses Vietnam’s development prospects

The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) is set to mark a milestone of special significance, ushering the country into a new stage of “strategic breakthrough” development, with science – technology, innovation, and institutional reform playing a pivotal role, according to a Chinese professor.