Communist Review - International integration is an objective trend of our time. Throughout its 95 years of leading the revolution and 80 years of guiding national construction and development, particularly during the 40 years of implementing the Doi Moi (Renewal) process, the Communist Party of Vietnam has consistently upheld the principle of combining national strength with the strength of the times. The Party has gradually developed, supplemented and refined its theoretical thinking on foreign affairs and international integration in line with regional and global developments, as well as the requirements of national development, the protection of national independence and sovereignty, and the safeguarding of national security. Building on the major orientations set out in Party Congress documents, on January 24, 2025, the Politburo issued Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW on international integration in the new context, marking an important advance in the Party’s thinking on foreign affairs and international integration.

Theoretical foundations of the Party’s thinking on foreign affairs and international integration

The Communist Party of Vietnam’s thinking on foreign affairs and international integration has been shaped by inheriting and promoting the nation’s finest values while selectively drawing on the achievements of world civilisation. It represents a harmonious combination of the tradition of national construction and defence and President Ho Chi Minh’s diplomatic thought and the cultural quintessence of humanity, practical experience, and modern theories of international integration. As a result, the Party’s foreign policy has consistently remained coherent, modern and responsive to the country’s development requirements in each period.

Globally, ideas of cooperation and connectivity among nations emerged at an early stage. Following the First World War, the pursuit of peace, security and stability led to the establishment of the League of Nations in 1919. After the Second World War, the need for comprehensive reconstruction created strong momentum for economic cooperation, laying the groundwork for Europe’s recovery programmes. The period from 1945 to 1949 witnessed the establishment of the Bretton Woods system, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, which together laid the foundations for global trade connectivity.

The signing and adoption of the United Nations Charter by 51 countries on June 26, 1945, marked a turning point in the history of international cooperation, opening the way for a broad and comprehensive framework for integration across multiple fields. From the late 20th century, the end of the Cold War, coupled with the rapid expansion of globalisation in trade and finance and breakthroughs in science and technology, accelerated the process of international economic integration. These developments fostered increasingly close interconnections among nations and contributed to the emergence of a shared understanding of international integration as an inevitable trend serving the goals of peace, cooperation and development.

In Vietnam, since its establishment in 1930, the Communist Party of Vietnam has clearly recognised the close connection between the Vietnamese people’s struggle for independence and freedom and the struggles of progressive peoples around the world. The Party determined that “the Annamite revolution is also a part of the world revolution.” After gaining power in 1945, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, soon demonstrated its vision for international integration. On October 17, 1945, in the Telegram to US President H. Truman, President Ho Chi Minh expressed “the earnest desire, which Vietnam deeply feels and has unanimously demonstrated, to cooperate with other democracies in establishing and consolidating peace and prosperity throughout the world.”⁽¹⁾

From 1945 until the launch of the Doi Moi (Renewal) policy, despite being a small economy with a low level of development and having to wage two prolonged resistance wars under conditions of blockade and embargo, Vietnam actively promoted international integration. The Vietnamese State gradually established diplomatic relations to secure recognition from the international community, received important support from the former Soviet Union, other socialist countries and friends around the world, and made efforts to contribute to the global movement for peace and social progress.

During this period, Vietnam also began participating in a number of international cooperative frameworks, laying the initial foundations for its subsequent process of deep and extensive international integration.

The 6th National Party Congress in 1986 marked an important shift in the Communist Party of Vietnam’s thinking. Although the concept of “international integration” had not yet been explicitly introduced, the Party affirmed the need to “combine national strength with the strength of the times under the new conditions”. This reflected the Party’s continued development and refinement of its theoretical thinking on international integration in line with changing regional and global circumstances, as well as the requirements of national development, the safeguarding of independence and sovereignty, and the protection of national security.

Under this new approach, the Communist Party of Vietnam no longer viewed the world primarily through the lens of the “two camps”, the “four contradictions”, the “three revolutionary currents”, or a simplistic “friend-or-foe” division. Instead, its foreign policy thinking began to evolve towards cooperation, laying the foundation for the orientation that “Vietnam wishes to be a friend to all countries in the world community, striving for peace, independence and development.”

The concept of “integration” was officially introduced for the first time in the documents of the 8th National Party Congress in 1996, with a focus on economic integration. During the 2001–2010 period, from the 9th to the 10th National Party Congress, this orientation was further reaffirmed, identifying economic integration as the principal pillar of the country’s international integration process.

On that basis, the 9th-tenure Politburo issued Resolution No. 07-NQ/TW on November 27, 2001, on international economic integration, providing an important foundation for Vietnam to gradually expand and deepen its participation in regional and global economic institutions.

At the 10th National Party Congress in 2006, the Party set forth the policy of “proactively and actively integrating into the international economy while expanding international cooperation in other fields”. The 11th National Party Congress in 2011, the 12th National Party Congress in 2016 and the 13th National Party Congress in 2021 further developed the Party’s foreign affairs thinking in a more comprehensive direction, in line with the evolving international environment and the country’s development requirements.

Building on this foundation, the Communist Party of Vietnam issued a number of important documents on international integration, including Resolution No. 22-NQ/TW of the Politburo, dated April 10, 2013, on international integration. After more than a decade of implementation, and in response to rapid changes in the global landscape as well as the country’s development tasks in the new period, the Politburo issued Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW on January 24, 2025, on international integration in the new context, marking a further development in the Party’s thinking on foreign affairs and international integration.

The Party’s sound foreign policy and international integration guidelines have provided a solid foundation for the effective implementation of external relations and international integration, making practical contributions to the country’s development.

By harmoniously combining national strength with the strength of the times, together with the Doi Moi (Renewal) policy and the strategy of proactive and active international integration, Vietnam has undergone a remarkable transformation. It has evolved from a poor and underdeveloped country into one of the world’s 32 largest economies, with its economic size expanding nearly 100-fold compared with 1986. Vietnam is now among the world’s top 20 trading nations, one of the top 20 destinations for foreign direct investment (FDI), and among the top 10 recipients of remittances globally(2).

Today, Vietnam maintains diplomatic relations with 194 countries and comprehensive partnership frameworks or higher-level relations with 42 countries. This extensive network continues to provide a strong impetus for the country’s deep, substantive and high-quality integration into regional and global affairs across political, economic, cultural and other spheres of international life.

A breakthrough decision in Vietnam’s international integration process

Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW on international integration in the new context was issued against the backdrop of rapid, complex and unpredictable developments in the regional and global landscape, with many unprecedented factors emerging. Challenges and risks are intertwined with opportunities and favourable conditions across almost all fields, although difficulties tend to outweigh advantages, particularly for small- and medium-sized countries.

The period leading up to 2030 is widely expected to be a critical phase in the shaping of a new world order, characterised by growing uncertainty, instability and risk. This evolving environment poses a series of major challenges for Vietnam.

First, the balance of power among major powers and within major international groupings continues to shift significantly, accelerating the transition towards a more pronounced multipolar and multi-centred world order.

Second, while peace, cooperation and development remain the dominant global trends, they are increasingly challenged by intensifying strategic competition and growing instability.

Third, crises are likely to occur more frequently, with wider-ranging impacts and increasingly interconnected characteristics. These crises are also closely linked to non-traditional security challenges, including natural disasters, pandemics, poverty and inequality.

Fourth, although the global and regional economies are expected to maintain growth, they continue to face substantial risks, particularly those arising from trade competition, financial volatility and disruptions to global supply chains.

Fifth, rapid advances in science and technology, together with the transition towards digital and green economies, are creating new opportunities. At the same time, countries must act swiftly to seize these opportunities, avoid falling behind and effectively address the social challenges generated by these transformations.

Sixth, the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean region will remain a dynamic engine of growth, an attractive destination for investment and a focal point of emerging economic linkages. However, it is also a region where strategic competition among major powers is becoming increasingly intense.

The period leading up to 2030 is also a crucial phase and a decisive sprint in Vietnam’s revolutionary journey towards achieving its two strategic development goals for 2030 and 2045. As Party General Secretary To Lam has emphasised, the country is entering a new era of national rise to prosperity, strength, democracy, fairness and civilisation. This ambitious development agenda requires Vietnam to adopt a new mindset, enhanced standing and fresh approaches to international integration.

The issuance of Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW on “International Integration in the New Context” reflects the Party’s strategic, comprehensive and forward-looking vision of global affairs and the evolving international landscape. It provides a foundation for further enhancing the pioneering, central and permanent role of foreign affairs and international integration, enabling Vietnam to proactively seize opportunities, overcome challenges and advance national development in the current period.

The new developments in the Party’s thinking, as reflected in the spirit of Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW, can be seen in several key aspects.

First, the Resolution introduces a range of new elements and breakthrough orientations designed to respond to major global trends and the country’s development requirements. The most significant feature is the elevation and strengthening of foreign affairs and international integration, placing them on a par with the tasks of reinforcing national defence and security. The Resolution identifies foreign affairs and international integration as both a central and standing mission, while emphasising the pioneering role of diplomacy in close coordination with national defence and security efforts to safeguard the country “early and from afar”.

In this spirit, foreign affairs and international integration in the new era must effectively serve the country’s strategic interests in security, development and influence through three key pillars.

National defence, security and foreign affairs constitute the foundation for safeguarding the country’s independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity; maintaining security, social order and public safety; and protecting the socialist regime. At the same time, they contribute to strengthening the leadership role of the Party, raising the effectiveness of State governance, and enhancing the prestige and standing of both the Party and the State.

Economic diplomacy serves as the central task, making a direct contribution to socio-economic development and supporting the achievement of Vietnam’s development goals for 2030 and 2045. It also helps create the foundation for the country to enter a new stage of development.

Meanwhile, cultural diplomacy, multilateral diplomacy and other areas of foreign affairs continue to play an important role in enhancing Vietnam’s position, reputation and image on the international stage.

Second, the Resolution underscores the need to carry out foreign affairs and international integration in a coordinated, proactive, active, comprehensive and in-depth manner, while ensuring quality and effectiveness. External relations activities should be pursued across all fronts, with the coordinated participation of all pillars and components of Vietnam’s diplomacy, including Party diplomacy, State diplomacy, people-to-people diplomacy, defence and security diplomacy, economic diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, multilateral diplomacy, local-level diplomacy and other related fields. Together, these efforts contribute to enhancing the country’s position and international standing.

Foreign affairs and international integration must be closely linked and mutually reinforcing within an overarching strategy that is focused, targeted and oriented towards delivering practical and long-term benefits for the nation.

Third, the Resolution defines international integration as a process that involves both cooperation and struggle, requiring Vietnam to demonstrate the spirit of a “proactive and responsible partner”. This goes beyond merely participating in or benefiting from cooperation mechanisms. It calls for Vietnam to make active contributions through meaningful initiatives and practical solutions, while faithfully implementing its international commitments in order to strengthen its image as a reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community.

On that basis, the country’s integration mindset must shift decisively from “joining and participating” to “building and shaping”. Vietnam should be prepared to assume roles as a “key participant, pioneer, leader and mediator” in areas that align with its capabilities and national interests. The country must proactively contribute its knowledge, expertise and resources to peacekeeping efforts and to the promotion of international cooperation and development.

This represents a strategic transformation, reflecting the growing maturity of Vietnam’s position and stature after decades of deep and extensive international integration.

Fourth, the formulation and issuance of the Resolution build on and creatively develop the core values underpinning Vietnam’s foreign policy during the Doi Moi (Renewal) period, while aligning with the Party’s strategic vision for the new era. In the spirit of the Resolution, international integration is the cause of the entire people and the whole political system, conducted under the Party’s absolute, direct and comprehensive leadership and the State’s unified management.

The people and the business community are identified as the centre of the process, the principal driving force and the direct beneficiaries of the achievements of international integration. This is an important orientation aimed at ensuring that integration delivers tangible benefits and remains closely linked to the country’s sustainable development goals.

Fifth, the Resolution emphasises that international integration must be built on the foundation of maximising internal strength as the decisive factor, while effectively leveraging external resources. The harmonious combination of internal and external resources is intended to build an independent, self-reliant and resilient economy; promote rapid and sustainable development; further improve the socialist rule-of-law State of the people, by the people and for the people; and continuously enhance the people’s living standards and well-being.

In line with the spirit of the Resolution, continued efforts are required to preserve and promote Vietnamese cultural values and the potential of the Vietnamese people, strengthen the nation’s overall capabilities, and enhance the country’s international standing and reputation. This orientation is expected to contribute significantly to the achievement of the long-term goal of transforming Vietnam into a developed, high-income country with a socialist orientation by the middle of the 21st century.

Effectively implementing Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW to create a major and comprehensive shift in international integration in the new context

Together with the strategic and breakthrough resolutions issued by the Politburo in recent years, Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW, dated January 24, 2025, on “International Integration in the New Context” opens up new opportunities and favourable conditions for the country’s development in the new era. The central task at present is to ensure its effective implementation, with the coordinated engagement of the entire political system, close cooperation among ministries, sectors and localities, and the active participation of businesses and citizens, thereby maximising the country’s collective strengths and generating substantive progress. In this spirit, several major directions should be prioritised to accelerate the implementation of Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW.

First, Party leadership must be further strengthened to ensure implementation is effective, practical and closely aligned with real-world conditions, while focusing on the determined and efficient execution of the assigned tasks and solutions. It is necessary to continue adhering closely to, thoroughly grasping and ensuring consistency in both understanding and implementation regarding the Party’s and the State’s major directives and policies on foreign affairs, national defence and security. They include the Politburo’s Resolution No. 51-NQ/TW, dated September 5, 2019, on the strategy for safeguarding national security and Resolution No. 34-NQ/TW, dated January 9, 2023, on several orientations and policies for implementing the foreign policy line of the 13th National Party Congress; Resolution No. 44-NQ/TW of the 13th Party Central Committee’s 8th Plenum, dated November 24, 2023, on the strategy for safeguarding the Fatherland in the new context; the Politburo’s Conclusion No. 53-KL/TW, dated April 28, 2023, on international integration and defence external relations through 2030; and Conclusion No. 82-KL/TW, dated June 7, 2024, on international integration and external relations of the People’s Public Security Force through 2030. These documents provide an important foundation for ensuring the effective implementation of Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW and advancing Vietnam’s international integration in a comprehensive and substantive manner.

Second, international integration must be clearly identified as a strategic driver of national development, with internal strength serving as the decisive factor while external resources are effectively leveraged. International integration should be closely linked to the safeguarding of national interests, combining cooperation with struggle in a balanced and proactive manner.

This requires adherence to the principles of a new mindset, enhanced national standing, and innovative approaches to international integration. The shift should be from a mindset of receiving to one of contributing; from partial integration to comprehensive integration; and from the position of a latecomer to that of a rising nation capable of pioneering new fields.

Vietnam should strengthen its capacity to provide leadership through strategic ideas and initiatives, while actively participating in the development and shaping of international norms and rules. The country should make greater contributions to multilateral mechanisms such as Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the United Nations and Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) cooperation, particularly on issues related to peace, security, sustainable development and global governance.

At the same time, Vietnam should proactively engage from the outset in emerging cooperation frameworks, especially those involving advanced technologies and new strategic sectors, in order to best safeguard national interests and strengthen its role in building and shaping the “rules of the game”.

Third, international integration should continue to be advanced in a coordinated, comprehensive and substantive manner. Different areas of integration must be closely linked and mutually reinforcing within an overarching strategy, supported by an appropriate roadmap and implementation steps. In this process, foreign affairs serving development should remain at the centre, with people, businesses and localities identified as the primary beneficiaries and focus of these efforts.

Vietnam should maximise the benefits arising from the upgrading and expansion of its external relations in recent years, making full use of the favourable diplomatic environment to attract breakthrough resources for development, particularly in priority areas such as infrastructure, digital transformation, green transition, energy transition, and science and technology.

Greater efforts should also be devoted to studying and drawing on international experience in renewing growth models, overcoming the middle-income trap, and pursuing sustainable development driven by innovation. The role of foreign affairs should be further strengthened in facilitating connectivity, addressing obstacles in the implementation of international commitments, promoting a culture of effective implementation, and enhancing the substantive nature of international cooperation.

At the same time, Vietnam must proactively identify and address “early and from afar” risks related to economic security, financial and monetary stability, environmental sustainability, human security, supply chains and other emerging challenges.

Fourth, the pivotal and permanent role of foreign affairs and international integration in safeguarding the Fatherland must be further enhanced, in close coordination with national defence, security and other external relations forces, in order to maintain a peaceful and stable environment and increase the country’s strategic value. Greater emphasis should be placed on deepening the interrelationship between security and development, as well as between independence, self-reliance and extensive international integration.

Deep, high-quality international integration should contribute to institutional reform, the renewal of the development model towards greater sustainability, and the strengthening of national defence and security capabilities as well as overall national strength. By effectively leveraging internal resources through international integration, Vietnam will be better positioned to make more substantive contributions to global political, economic and intellectual life.

Fifth, building a capable cadre corps, particularly those engaged in foreign affairs, is a task of strategic importance. Personnel working in foreign affairs must possess strong political resolve, deep professional expertise, modern skills and forward-looking thinking that meet regional and international standards. Foreign affairs officials in the new era should have a solid understanding of international law and the culture, history and society of partner countries; possess strong analytical, negotiation and problem-solving skills; and demonstrate creativity and innovation.

The consideration by the 15th National Assembly of a resolution on special mechanisms and policies to enhance the effectiveness of international integration is expected to provide additional resources and momentum for the training, development and effective utilisation of Vietnam’s foreign affairs workforce.

In conclusion, the Politburo’s Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW, together with the orientations on international integration expected to be submitted to the 14th National Party Congress, has introduced a new, comprehensive and modern vision of international integration. It establishes a clear theoretical framework and practical direction for foreign affairs to become a key pillar and strategic driver in the cause of national development and safeguarding the Fatherland./.

* PhD, Alternate Member of the 13th Party Central Committee, Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs

 (1) Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2011, Vol. 4, p. 60.

(2) See: “Vietnam’s economy among the world’s 32 largest economies”, VietnamPlus, April 30, 2025, https://www.vietnamplus.vn/kinh-te-viet-nam-mot-trong-32-nen-kinh-te-lon-nhat-the-gioi-post1035945.vnp