Vietnam's bamboo diplomacy: Long-lasting lessons

Vietnam’s diplomatic approach, infused with the essence of “Vietnamese bamboo”, is once again reaffirmed in a book by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong.

The launch of a book on Vietnam's diplomacy held in Hanoi on November 21.

The name “Bamboo Diplomacy” derives from the bamboo plant, known for its resilient and adaptable branches and robust root system. Vietnam’s foreign policy approach was given this title because it reflects its identity.

Launched on November 21, the book, which was published by Su That (Truth) Publishing House, focuses on the construction and development of Vietnam’s diplomacy over the past time.

The book contains a selection of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s typical speeches, articles, interviews, letters, and telegrams on foreign affairs and diplomacy. It presents the Party’s most ideological viewpoints on Vietnam’s achievements and future diplomacy in a consistent manner.

The book is divided into three parts: (1) the importance of diplomacy and its major contributions to national defense and construction; (2) Vietnam’s foreign affairs for independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation, and development; and (3) the defining characteristics of the nation’s diplomacy and foreign policy.

The book was launched at a hybrid ceremony broadcast to more than 90 Vietnamese missions abroad held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Party Central Committee’s External Relations Commission, and the Commission for Information and Education. 

Book on Vietnam's diplomacy written by Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

Addressing the launch, Truong Thi Mai, Permanent member of the Party Central Committee's Secretariat and Chairwoman of the Party Central Committee’s Organization Commission, said the book’s release indicates that the Party has always considered foreign policy to be a crucial, continuous, and important undertaking for the entire political system and a significant factor in the national defense and building.

She said the book is the most comprehensive, detailed, and impressive illustration of Vietnamese diplomacy's distinct and enduring quality. It serves as a useful reference book and an incisive example of the Party and State’s foreign policy, which emphasizes independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation, and multilateralization.

Foreign Affairs Minister Bui Thanh Son said the book demonstrates the General Secretary’s strategic vision and clear-sighted leadership regarding foreign relations and diplomacy. With its theoretical and practical values, it is an invaluable manual on diplomacy for all those involved in foreign affairs across all political levels and sectors.

Along with hard copies, the book has an electronic version available for free at www.stbook.vn and www.thuviencoso.vn.