International integration and defence diplomacy are major policies of the Party and the State, representing a key aspect of our defence activities aimed at firmly protecting the Fatherland through peaceful means. Thoroughly grasping and implementing the Party’s foreign policy, in recent years, The Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defence have attached importance to the active and synchronised implementation of international integration and defence diplomacy. Thanks to innovations and creativity, comprehensive results have been yielded on both bilateral and multilateral fronts, contributing to consolidating and developing Vietnam’s relations with other nations and international organisations. Besides, they have maximised external resources to develop the Army, bolster national defence capabilities, and mitigate the aftermath of war. Furthermore, they have promoted cooperation with neighbouring countries while enhancing the stature, role, and prestige of the nation and the Army on the international stage.

The notable accomplishments in international integration and defence diplomacy in recent times affirm the correct and creative foreign policy adopted by the Party, the State, the Central Military Commission, and the Ministry of National Defence, especially in the handling of international relations. These accomplishments also deepen the lessons of upholding the spirit of independence, self-reliance, and resilience and always prioritising national and ethnic interests. A flexible combination of cooperation and struggle has been adeptly maintained, effectively managing defence relationships with countries both within and outside the region, especially with major powers. This strategy has created an interwoven matrix of mutual interests, maintaining a stable and peaceful environment, preventing conflict and the risk of war, and serving the cause of national construction and development.

Sr. Lt. Gen Hoang Xuan Chien congratulates VPA officers deployed to UN peacekeeping missions

In the coming years, there will be complicated and unpredictable developments in the global and regional situation. Besides, the political and security environment harbours numerous risks and instabilities. The world’s multipolar and multicentric landscape is becoming intricate as the strategic competition among major powers is intensifying and becoming all-encompassing. The East Sea remains fraught with uncertainties while non-traditional security challenges are escalating, threatening the security and stability of many countries. Domestically, the country’s position and strength, national synergy, and international stature and prestige are being increasingly consolidated and elevated. Our people’s cause of national construction and defence faces new opportunities as well as numerous difficulties and challenges. Hostile forces are intensifying their activities to sabotage our revolutionary cause and to attack and divide our relations with countries in the region and the world. This situation demands that our Army continues to apply and enhance its pioneering role in international integration and defence diplomacy in establishing and maintaining a peaceful and stable environment and mobilising resources for national development, thus positively contributing to the cause of national construction and defence in the new context. To successfully achieve these objectives, the work of international integration and defence diplomacy needs to focus on the synchronised implementation of the main tasks and measures as follows:

Firstly, continuing to thoroughly grasp the policies and guidelines of the Party, the Central Military Commission, and the Ministry of National Defence regarding international integration and defence diplomacy in the new context. First and foremost, focusing on thoroughly grasping and effectively implementing the foreign policy outlined in the 13^th Party Congress Resolution, the Resolution of the 8^th Central Committee (13^th tenure) on the National Defence Strategy in the new context, the Politburo’s Resolution No. 34-NQ/TW, dated 9^th January, 2023, on key orientations and policies for implementing the 13^th Party Congress’s foreign policy, and Politburo’s Conclusion No. 53-KL/TW, dated 28^th April, 2023, on international integration and defence diplomacy to 2030 and beyond. Additionally, closely following the orientations of the Politburo, the Secretariat, the Central Military Commission, and the Ministry of National Defence and enhancing the role and responsibility of party committees and commanders at all levels in advising and proposing strategic policies and measures concerning international integration and defence diplomacy to the Party and the State. Based on the Party’s foreign policy viewpoints, mottos, and principles, implementing defence policy principles and mottos in a flexible, creative, and effective manner, thus proactively protecting the Fatherland early and from afar, maintaining a peaceful and stable environment in all circumstances. Consistently implementing an independent and self-reliant foreign policy by maximising internal strength and harnessing external support; persisting in a policy of multilateralisation and diversification of relations under the motto of “more friends, fewer enemies”; closely integrating foreign affairs with national defence while attaching defence diplomacy to the overall strategy of Party diplomacy, State diplomacy, and people’s diplomacy; combining diplomatic struggle with the on-the-ground struggle by all forces, thwarting any schemes and plots that infringe upon the sovereignty, sovereign rights, and national interests of Vietnam; and strengthening the potential, forces, and defensive posture in the strategy of national defence.

Secondly, consistently implementing the principle of independence and self-reliance in international integration and defence diplomacy. Currently, along with Party diplomacy, State diplomacy, and people’s diplomacy, international integration and defence diplomacy must always be aligned with effectively resolving the broad relationship between independence, self-reliance, and the country’s international integration, aiming to take advantage of opportunities while avoiding negative impacts during the process of international integration, thus contributing to firmly protecting the Fatherland in all situations. Exploiting benefits from international integration depends significantly on domestic stability and development, as well as the capacity to manage relations with other countries, particularly major powers, ensuring a balance of our national interests in international relations. The global environment and international integration provide opportunities for national development but also create conditions for hostile forces to intervene in our internal affairs under the guise of “human rights”, “democracy”, “freedom of religion”, etc. to conduct “peaceful evolution”, incite, and instigate subversive activities, posing threats to national security. Therefore, it is essential to stay alert and remain steadfast on issues of principle, yet be tactful, flexible, and adaptable in managing and handling relations, always prioritising national and ethnic interests as the ultimate goal in the process of international integration and defence diplomacy. Simultaneously, consistently implementing an independent, self-reliant peaceful, and friendly foreign policy; diversifying and multilateralising relations; and steadfastly adhering to Vietnam’s “four nos” defence policy. Besides, it is crucial to proactively research, assess, and accurately determine partner-object relations in specific situations to develop appropriate responsive measures, contributing to the effective implementation of international integration and defence diplomacy for national construction and defence.

Thirdly, enhancing the quality and effectiveness of research, forecasting, and strategic advisory in international integration and defence diplomacy. The functional agencies of the Ministry of National Defence should strengthen their situation monitoring and enhance their capabilities in research, forecasting, and strategic advisory, particularly regarding new trends and developments in the region and the world, strategic competition, the assembly of forces, and the involvement of major powers, as well as the situation in the East Sea and territorial borders. Emphasis should be placed on assessing and analysing the advantages, challenges, and direct impacts on the country’s national defence and security, and on defence diplomacy tasks. This analysis will serve as a basis for advising the Party, the State, the Central Military Commission, and the Ministry of National Defence in developing and formulating defence diplomacy strategies and policies, and timely, appropriate responses to relations with other countries and international organisations. This should align with the international and regional context and our country’s process of international integration, meeting the requirements and tasks of national defence in the new context. Regular and effective coordination with various ministries, sectors, local authorities, and relevant forces in research, forecasting, and strategic advisory on defence diplomacy is crucial to leverage comprehensive strength in analysis and evaluation of situations, preventing any passivity or surprises.

Fourthly, enhancing the effectiveness of bilateral and multilateral defence diplomacy, bringing cooperation with other countries into depth, substance, and effectiveness. Continuing to promote and deepen bilateral defence relations, especially with neighbouring countries, major powers, ASEAN nations, and traditional friends, based on principles that ensure national and ethnic interests, equality, mutual benefit, and adherence to international law. Increasing political trust and intertwined mutual interests while harmoniously managing relations with major powers in accordance with practical situations. During implementation, it is crucial to remain firm on issues of principle, yet be tactful, flexible, and adaptable in response, following the approach of “keeping calm is to cope with multi-unexpected changes”. Besides, clearly defining “partners and adversaries” to balance cooperation and contention, enhancing collaboration, avoiding conflict and confrontation, and avoiding being isolated, dependent, or falling into the situation of “taking sides”. Strengthening measures for building strategic trust and mutual understanding; persistently resolving disagreements and conflicts through peaceful means, in the spirit of respecting international law and the United Nations Charter. Diversifying forms and contents of defence diplomacy and effectively implementing signed cooperation agreements, focusing on promoting consultation, dialogue, and collaboration mechanisms in areas that align with the strengths of each partner and the needs of Vietnam.

Actively and effectively implementing Directive No. 25-CT/TW, dated August 8, 2018, by the Secretariat on enhancing and elevating multilateral diplomacy to 2030. Actively and proactively contributing to the development and formulation of policies, proposing initiatives, and participating responsibly and effectively in regional and international security mechanisms and forums, especially the defence cooperation mechanisms within the ASEAN framework, where ASEAN plays a leading role. This contributes to the building of the ASEAN Political - Security Community and positively supports the maintenance of peace, stability, and development in the region and the world. Continuing to enhance participation in UN peacekeeping operations as per Resolution No. 130/2020/QH14, with an approach to expand the scope, geographical areas, and scale of involvement.

Fifthly, actively and proactively enhancing the quality and effectiveness of information dissemination and propaganda in foreign affairs. The entire Army is to adhere to the discipline and quality of information dissemination and propaganda regarding the Party’s and State’s foreign policy as per Conclusion No. 57-KL/TW dated 15^th June, 2023, by the Politburo on continuing to enhance the quality and effectiveness of foreign affairs information dissemination in the new context. Integrating various forces and measures to timely inform officers, soldiers, Vietnamese compatriots abroad and the international community so that they can better understand the foreign policy as well as the peaceful and self-defence national defence policy of the Party and the State, the achievements of the country’s developments and the Vietnam People’s Army, thus promoting Vietnam not only as a peace-loving and vigorously developing country but also as a responsible nation in addressing international and regional issues for peace, development, and prosperity. These efforts contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of defence diplomacy work, gaining consensus and support from international friends for the cause of national construction and defence of our Party, State, Army, and People. Additionally, timely counteracting harmful information, erroneous ideologies, distorted arguments, and incitements by hostile forces exploiting the policy of international integration and defence diplomacy to divide the Party, State, Army, and People.

In addition, continuing to refine the system of legal documents related to defence diplomacy, ensuring alignment with the international legal system and practices, thus meeting both immediate and long-term requirements. Conducting a comprehensive review of 10 years of implementing Resolution No. 806-NQ/QUTW, dated 31^st December, 2013, by the Central Military Commission on international integration and defence diplomacy to 2020 and beyond while formulating a Law on participation in UN peacekeeping forces. Furthermore, strengthening coordination among agencies and units involved in defence diplomacy across the Army with relevant ministries, sectors, and local authorities to effectively implement defence diplomacy tasks.

Senior Lieutenant General, Associate Professor, Dr. HOANG XUAN CHIEN, Member of the Party Central Committee, Member of the Central Military Commission, Deputy Minister of National Defence