The top leader of Vietnam made affirmation during his interview granted to Reuters following his keynote speech at the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 29.

Good relations with major powers based on cooperation

Responding to questions about Vietnam-China relations amid growing strategic competition and tensions in the East Sea (known internationally as South China Sea), thew leader said Vietnam and China are neighbouring countries with longstanding ties and substantial cooperation across many important areas.

He described China as one of Vietnam’s priority partners in foreign policy, citing geographical proximity, shared interests and regional connectivity.

According to him, maintaining stable, peaceful and cooperative relations with China does not contradict Vietnam’s approach to addressing disputes in the East Sea.

He reaffirmed that Vietnam remains determined to protect its sovereignty, sovereign rights and legitimate interests while resolving disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Regarding US-China relations, the leader said competition among major powers is an objective reality, but stressed that Vietnam does not approach ties with major countries through a security lens and does not side with any party.

In his view, Vietnam seeks to maintain good relations with major powers in order to cooperate on important and essential issues, while consistently pursuing a policy of not working with one country against another or in ways that would harm the interests of others.

According to him, Vietnam has therefore maintained positive relations with both the United States and China, contributing to the interests of all parties as well as to regional peace and stability.

Committed to double-digit growth and the 2045 vision

Addressing questions on economic growth targets, the top leader reaffirmed Vietnam’s goal of becoming a developed, high-income country by 2045.

To achieve that objective, Vietnam aims to sustain double-digit economic growth over the long term, a strategy that he said has been carefully studied and considered.

He acknowledged the challenges involved but said Vietnam possesses important advantages, including political stability, social consensus and strong determination for reform.

In recent years, Vietnam has adjusted its growth model toward greater self-reliance, high-quality human resources, science and technology, innovation and digital transformation.

At the same time, the country is accelerating institutional reforms, removing bottlenecks and mobilising resources from across society, including businesses and citizens.

The leader said Vietnam has no intention of lowering its growth ambitions and is committed to maintaining a long-term development trajectory to achieve its strategic objectives.

He added that Vietnam’s development vision extends beyond 2045 and looks toward the country’s next century of development.

Concluding the interview, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam called on international media organisations to provide objective and comprehensive coverage of Vietnam’s development realities.

He said Vietnam does not avoid acknowledging difficulties and challenges, but hopes international reporting will accurately reflect the country’s reform efforts and development orientation.

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VOV.VN - Peace and stability cannot be sustained through power competition alone, but must instead rest on international law, dialogue, restraint and inclusive development, according to a senior Vietnamese leader.