Bamboo diplomacy

Why is bamboo diplomacy important today?

Its importance lies in Vietnam’s ability to navigate the intense geopolitical competition between major powers, such as the United States and China. By maintaining practical neutrality and diversifying its foreign relations, Vietnam can attract foreign investment and secure economic benefits from a wide range of partners, significantly contributing to its goal of becoming a high-income nation by 2045.

Politically, this approach allows Vietnam to safeguard its national interests, including its territorial claims in the South China Sea, without being forced to align definitively with any single global power. Philosophically, it reflects a deep commitment to self-reliance and the harmonious integration of domestic and international values, offering a model for middle powers seeking to assert their agency in a volatile world order. This adaptability enables Vietnam to mitigate risks and capitalise on opportunities arising from global shifts, thereby ensuring stability for its domestic development.

How is bamboo diplomacy performed?

Bamboo diplomacy is executed through a multifaceted strategy that blends principled steadfastness with tactical flexibility. Key methods include diversifying and multilateralising foreign relations, actively engaging with international organizations, and promoting economic cooperation. Vietnam has established bilateral agreements with numerous countries, including comprehensive strategic partnerships with major global players such as China, Russia, the United States, Japan, and India.

Vietnam actively participates in multilateral forums, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the United Nations (UN), and the World Trade Organisation (WTO), where it champions principles of neutrality, stability, and adherence to international law.

Lobbying and advocacy efforts are employed to advance national interests, particularly in the context of sovereignty in the South China Sea. Informal channels and people-to-people diplomacy also play a role, fostering cultural understanding and strengthening international ties. This strategy involves a delicate balancing act, maintaining strong economic and diplomatic relationships with all partners while resisting pressure to join military alliances or allow foreign military bases on its territory.

Where does bamboo diplomacy take place?

The geographical scope of bamboo diplomacy primarily focuses on Southeast Asia and extends globally through Vietnam’s extensive network of bilateral and multilateral relations. Within Southeast Asia, Vietnam plays a significant role in ASEAN, leveraging this platform to promote regional stability and uphold its principled stance amidst great power competition.

Bilaterally, Vietnam maintains diplomatic ties with 194 nations, including comprehensive strategic partnerships with nine countries across Asia, Europe, and North America. Multilaterally, its diplomacy is evident in its active participation in global forums such as the UN and the WTO, as well as regional organizations like APEC and ASEM. Informal venues and engagements also contribute to this diplomacy, allowing for flexible interactions outside formal structures. The strategy aims to ensure Vietnam’s economic integration and security through diversified partnerships, effectively positioning it as a bridge-builder between different blocs and interests.

The evolution of bamboo diplomacy

The philosophical roots of bamboo diplomacy can be traced back to the diplomatic thought of Ho Chi Minh, who emphasized national independence and self-reliance. However, the formal articulation and modern application of “bamboo diplomacy” as a distinct foreign policy concept were introduced by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in 2016. This coincided with Vietnam’s ongoing “Doi Moi” (renovation) reforms, which began in 1986 and shifted the country’s foreign policy towards pragmatic national interests.

Major turning points include Vietnam’s normalisation of relations with the United States in 1995, its entry into ASEAN in 1995, and its accession to the WTO in 2007. These periods marked a decisive move towards comprehensive international integration and diversification of partnerships. Historically, Vietnam has navigated periods of intense conflict and external pressure, learning to adapt and survive. The ability to maintain relations with both the United States and Russia, despite their historical rivalries, while simultaneously managing a complex relationship with China, showcases the practical success of this flexible diplomatic approach.

Who are the actors of bamboo diplomacy?

The primary actor in bamboo diplomacy is the Vietnamese national government, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which formulates and executes the country’s foreign policy. The Communist Party of Vietnam plays a guiding role, with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong being instrumental in formally articulating the concept.

However, its implementation involves a broader range of actors. National corporations and state-owned enterprises are key players in economic diplomacy, driving trade, investment, and technological partnerships. International organizations, such as ASEAN, the UN, and the WTO, serve as crucial platforms for Vietnam to engage with the global community. Non-state actors, including Vietnamese diasporas and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs), also contribute through cultural exchange, humanitarian aid, and advocacy. Expert communities, think tanks, and academic institutions provide analysis and strategic advice, informing policy decisions.

Real-world examples

• One prominent example of bamboo diplomacy in action is Vietnam’s careful navigation of its relationships with the United States and China. Despite historical conflicts and ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, Vietnam has managed to cultivate comprehensive strategic partnerships with both superpowers. In September 2023, Vietnam upgraded its relationship with the United States to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, a significant move given their past as adversaries. Simultaneously, Vietnam has maintained its Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership with China, its largest trading partner, holding high-level meetings and pursuing cooperation in areas like infrastructure and trade. This balancing act allows Vietnam to benefit economically and technologically from both nations while resisting pressure to take sides in their geopolitical rivalry.
• Another clear illustration is Vietnam’s approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. While many Western nations have strongly condemned Russia’s actions, Vietnam has adopted a nuanced stance. It abstained from several UN General Assembly votes condemning the war and voted against suspending Russia from the Human Rights Council. At the same time, Vietnam has also engaged with Ukraine, offering humanitarian aid and expressing support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity. For instance, Vietnamese President To Lam met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in September 2023, reiterating Vietnam’s commitment to promoting dialogue for peace. This demonstrates bamboo diplomacy’s flexibility, allowing Vietnam to maintain its long-standing relationship with Russia while not alienating Western partners, thereby safeguarding its national interests.
• A third example of this diplomatic strategy is Vietnam’s active participation in and leadership within ASEAN. Vietnam consistently promotes ASEAN’s centrality and unity, using the regional bloc as a platform to address shared challenges and enhance its collective bargaining power. For instance, during its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2020, Vietnam focused on strengthening regional resilience and responsiveness to external shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic and South China Sea issues. By working through a multilateral framework, Vietnam seeks to amplify its voice and influence, showcasing its commitment to regional stability and cooperation while indirectly managing great power dynamics.

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Bamboo diplomacy, deeply rooted in Vietnamese cultural symbolism, represents a pragmatic and resilient foreign policy strategy. It enables Vietnam to maintain its national independence and sovereignty while navigating a complex global landscape characterized by intense geopolitical competition. By diversifying partnerships, actively engaging in multilateral forums, and exercising flexibility in its engagements, Vietnam successfully balances its relationships with major powers like China and the United States, securing economic benefits and ensuring national stability.

The historical development of this approach underscores Vietnam’s ability to adapt to external pressures and leverage opportunities. As the world continues to face more challenges, from geopolitical rivalries to global crises, the principles of bamboo diplomacy – firm roots, a sturdy trunk, and flexible branches – offer a compelling model for middle powers seeking to assert their agency and secure their interests in an increasingly interconnected and unpredictable international environment. Its enduring relevance lies in its capacity to foster resilience and promote peaceful coexistence through strategic adaptability.