1973 Paris Peace Accords - a decisive victory for Vietnamese diplomacy

The agreement came as a result of one of the most difficult and lengthy negotiations in the history of international diplomacy, marking an important diplomatic victory and demonstrating the bravery and wisdom of the Vietnamese revolution.

Running for nearly five years from 1968 to 1973, the Paris negotiations on Vietnam involving the governments of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam), the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam), the United States, and the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam, went through a total of 201 public sessions, 45 high-level private meetings between Vietnam and the US, roughly 500 press conferences, and some 1,000 interviews.

Historical documents highlight that in all public joint sessions, as well as private contacts, during the Paris negotiations, Vietnamese negotiators did not miss any issues concerning the war in Indochina. Their arguments insisted that the US army and its allies in the Asia-Pacific region withdraw from southern Vietnam and respect the civil rights, the basic national rights, and the right to self-determination of the people in southern Vietnam.

Ultimately, the agreement, among provisions, called for the withdrawal of all US and allied forces, a ceasefire to be put in place in southern Vietnam, the reunification of Vietnam through peaceful means without coercion or annexation by either party and without foreign interference, and US financial contributions to healing the wounds of conflict in Indochina.

Vivid memories

Nguyen Thi Binh, former Foreign Minister and former head of the Delegation of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam to the Paris conference, said at the end of 1968 she received instructions from the Party to participate in the Paris negotiations. After nearly five years of negotiations, she completed her duties as one of the four signatories to the Paris Agreement.

“The Paris Agreement was a decisive victory leading to the liberation of the South and reunification of the country, the result of nearly 20 years of fierce war and arduous struggle of the whole nation,” recalled the 95-year-old politician.

According to Binh, the Paris Agreement represented a victory for Vietnamese diplomacy, a military and political victory and a victory for peace-loving and progressive movements worldwide.

“It is the result of the strong solidarity and support of the world, bringing strength to Vietnam on the battlefield as well as at the negotiating table,” Binh said, adding that the decisive factor behind the success of the Paris Agreement was the ingenious leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the Party and State leaders.

Journalist Ha Dang, former member of the Party Central Committee and a member of the negotiating team of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam, said the US’s signing of the Paris Agreement placed Nguyen Thi Binh in her position as Foreign Minister on a par with then US Secretary of State William Roger. This also showed the US recognition of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam.

Incumbent Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son said throughout the negotiation process, the principle of independence and self-reliance continued to be upheld. The Vietnamese negotiating team, including advisor Le Duc Tho, effectively and creatively applied President Ho Chi Minh’s thoughts of “Keeping calm to respond to unexpected changes” at the negotiating table.

“With sharp thinking, rich experience and tactical skills, Le Duc Tho and the negotiating team excellently turned the victory on the battlefield into victory on the negotiating table. This victory is one of the pinnacles of Vietnamese diplomatic intelligence,” said Minister Son.

Invaluable historical lessons

Half a century after the Paris Agreement was signed, scientific studies and assessments made by Vietnamese and foreign experts show that the 1973 Paris Agreement marked a landmark victory in the history of Vietnamese diplomacy. The agreement also brought about several valuable lessons with profound contemporary significance for the country’s diplomacy, including grasping the situation and seizing upon opportunities.

“First, you need to evaluate the situation, know yourself, and know your enemy. Second, we need to seize opportunities. Third, we need a wise strategy, clearly defining the primary and the secondary. In my opinion, we were very creative in our diplomacy,” stated Binh.

Former Deputy Prime Minister and former Deputy Foreign Minister Vu Khoan said the agreement offers plenty of lessons for Vietnamese diplomacy, including a lesson about cooperation, consistency, perseverance, and shrewdness.

According to official documents from the Paris negotiations, thousands of rallies and demonstrations against the war and in support of Vietnam broke out in many parts of the world, including in the US. The anti-war and pro-Vietnam movement became a great source of encouragement for the nation both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table, resulting in the Paris Agreement and subsequent victory of the 1975 Spring General Offensive which ultimately liberated the south and reunified the country.

Rallying international support can serve as a lesson for the diplomatic sector which concerns effectively utilising external support and resources for national construction and defence. This lesson is especially meaningful to Vietnam's extensive international integration amid complicated and unpredictable challenges around the world.