Vietnam’s Elite Diplomacy: Highest Levels

Video captures Vietnam’s highest-level state reception for US President Joe Biden, hosted by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, marking the upgrade of relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Vietnam’s Elite Diplomatic Sphere: A Deep Dive into 14 Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships (Oct 2025)

 

                In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, Vietnam has meticulously built a sophisticated network of international relationships. At the apex of this diplomatic architecture lie its Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships (CSPs). These aren’t just polite diplomatic ties; they represent the deepest, most multifaceted, and strategically vital relationships Vietnam maintains with key global players. Updated to June 2025, these partnerships are the cornerstone of Vietnam’s “Bamboo Diplomacy,” enabling the nation to navigate global challenges, foster economic growth, and enhance its international standing.

                 This article dives into each of Vietnam’s Comprehensive Strategic Partners, exploring the unique facets and shared objectives that define these elite relationships.

 

 

 

 

SPECIAL OUTLINE

 

Get an immediate grasp of our article’s core and structure through these key highlights:

 

• Understand the definition and profound significance of Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships (CSPs) as Vietnam’s highest tier of diplomatic relationship.
• Explore the key aspects that characterize a CSP, including deep political trust, broad cooperation across diverse sectors (politics, defense, economics, culture, etc.), and regular high-level dialogue.
• Grasp the pivotal role of CSPs within Vietnam’s “Bamboo Diplomacy” framework, enabling the nation to effectively navigate complex global challenges and enhance its international standing.
• Discover the thirteen nations with whom Vietnam has established Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships as of June 2025, highlighting the breadth and depth of its elite diplomatic network.

 

 

UNVEIL VIETNAM’S ELITE DIPLOMATIC SPHERE, A TESTAMENT TO ITS STRATEGIC FORESIGHT AND “BAMBOO DIPLOMACY,” FORGED THROUGH 14 COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS THAT SHAPE ITS GLOBAL INFLUENCE!

Now! Let’s delve into the profound significance and intricate dynamics of Vietnam’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships!

 

 

 

 

 Understanding Vietnam’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships (CSPs)

 

Before detailing each partner, it’s crucial to understand what a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signifies for Vietnam. This designation is the highest level of diplomatic relationship Vietnam offers, surpassing “Strategic Partnerships” and “Comprehensive Partnerships.” It implies:

 

• Deep Political Trust: High-level political exchanges, shared strategic perspectives, and mutual respect for each other’s political systems and sovereignty.
• Broad Cooperation: Extensive collaboration across almost all sectors, including politics, defense-security, economics, trade, investment, science-technology, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
• Mutual Strategic Interests: Shared long-term goals and often, a convergence on regional and global issues, even if specific approaches might differ.
• Commitment to Dialogue: Regular high-level dialogues and mechanisms for resolving differences or coordinating positions.

 

As of June 2025, Vietnam currently holds Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships with an impressive thirteen nations:

 

 

1. China (May 2008)
2. Russia (July 2012)
3. India (September 2016)
4. South Korea (December 2022)
5. United States (September 2023)
6. Japan (November 2023)
7. Australia (March 2024)
8. France (October 2024)
9. Malaysia (November 2024)
10. New Zealand (February 2025)
11. Indonesia (March 10, 2025)
12. Singapore (March 12, 2025)
13. Thailand (May 16, 2025)
14. United Kingdom (October, 2025)

 

 

 

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Let’ go into Each one!

 

1. China: A Neighbors’ Intertwined Destiny (Established May 2008)

 

China holds the distinction of being Vietnam’s first Comprehensive Strategic Partner. This relationship is profoundly shaped by shared borders, historical ties, and ideological similarities, alongside complex dynamics related to economic competition and maritime disputes in the South China Sea.

 

• Economic Giant: China remains Vietnam’s largest trading partner and a significant source of tourism and investment. Bilateral trade volume is immense, though Vietnam consistently seeks to reduce its trade deficit.
• Party-to-Party Ties: Deep-rooted traditional links exist between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Communist Party of China, fostering frequent high-level exchanges and political trust.
• Regional Coordination: Both nations are key players in regional frameworks, often coordinating on multilateral issues, despite occasional divergences.
• Maritime Challenges: Managing disputes in the South China Sea (East Sea for Vietnam) remains a sensitive but continuously negotiated aspect of the relationship, with both sides emphasizing dialogue and adherence to international law.

 

 

 

 

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2. Russia: Enduring Friendship and Strategic Legacy (Established July 2012)

 

The partnership with Russia is built on a strong historical foundation dating back to the Soviet era, characterized by long-standing political trust, defense cooperation, and shared strategic interests.

 

• Historical Brotherhood: Russia (and previously the Soviet Union) provided crucial support to Vietnam during its struggles for independence and national reunification, fostering deep gratitude and a sense of enduring friendship.
• Defense & Security Pillar: Russia is Vietnam’s primary supplier of military equipment and technology, crucial for modernizing Vietnam’s defense capabilities. Cooperation also extends to military training and technical support.
• Energy Collaboration: Significant joint ventures in oil and gas exploration, particularly in Vietnam’s continental shelf, form a vital economic component of the partnership.
• Technological & Educational Ties: Continued cooperation in science, technology, and education, with many Vietnamese cadres having studied in Russia.

 

 

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3. India: Shared Historical Bonds and Emerging Strategic Alignment (Established September 2016)

 

India’s partnership with Vietnam is rooted in historical solidarity during their respective independence struggles and is increasingly driven by a convergence of strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific.

 

• Ancient Civilizational Ties: Deep historical and cultural connections, particularly through Buddhism and trade routes, form a strong underlying bond.
• Growing Defense Cooperation: Increasingly robust defense and security collaboration, including military exchanges, training, and potential defense equipment supplies, reflecting shared concerns about regional stability.
• Economic Potential: While still developing, bilateral trade and investment are growing, with significant potential in pharmaceuticals, IT, and agriculture.
• Multilateral Alignment: Both nations share similar views on multilateralism, international law, and a rules-based order, actively cooperating within forums like the UN, ASEAN, and the East Asia Summit.

 

 

 

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4. South Korea: A Dynamic Economic Powerhouse Partnership (Elevated December 2022)

 

The relationship with South Korea rapidly ascended to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022, reflecting the extraordinary growth in economic ties and people-to-people connections over the past three decades.

 

• Largest Foreign Investor: South Korea is Vietnam’s largest foreign investor, with major corporations like Samsung and LG having massive manufacturing bases, contributing significantly to Vietnam’s exports and job creation.
• Major Trading Partner: South Korea is consistently among Vietnam’s top trading partners, facilitating robust bilateral trade flows.
• Vibrant People-to-People Exchange: Explosive growth in tourism, education, and labor cooperation has created strong human bonds. Korean culture (K-Pop, K-Dramas) is immensely popular in Vietnam.
• Technological Collaboration: Strong cooperation in high-tech industries, digital transformation, and innovation.

 

 

 

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5. United States: From Adversaries to Comprehensive Strategic Partners (Elevated September 2023)

 

The elevation of the US-Vietnam relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September 2023 marked a truly historic milestone, demonstrating an extraordinary journey from former adversaries to deeply trusted partners. This rapid progression underscores a strong convergence of strategic interests.

 

• Remarkable Transformation: This partnership highlights a remarkable healing and forward-looking approach, moving past a painful history to build a future of collaboration.
• Strategic Alignment: Both nations share growing concerns about a stable and open Indo-Pacific, emphasizing freedom of navigation and adherence to international law. Dialogue on regional security issues is increasingly frequent.
• Economic Powerhouse: The US is Vietnam’s largest export market, and bilateral trade has boomed since the establishment of normal relations. US investment in Vietnam continues to grow, particularly in technology and services.
• Addressing Global Challenges: Cooperation extends to climate change, global health security, educational exchanges (e.g., Fulbright University Vietnam), and overcoming war legacies (e.g., dioxin remediation, MIA accounting).

 

 

 

 

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6. Vietnam – Japan: Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World

 

This is consistently recognized as one one of Vietnam’s most reliable and trusted partners. This relationship is a prime example of a successful strategic partnership built on mutual respect and extensive economic cooperation.

 

• Largest ODA Provider: Japan has consistently been Vietnam’s largest provider of Official Development Assistance (ODA), funding critical infrastructure projects like ports, airports, and power plants, which have significantly contributed to Vietnam’s economic development.
• Major Investor & Trader: Japan is a leading foreign investor in Vietnam, bringing high-quality technology and management expertise. Bilateral trade is robust and continues to grow.
• Cultural & People-to-People Links: Strong cultural exchanges, growing Vietnamese community in Japan, and increasing Japanese tourism to Vietnam foster deep human connections.
• Regional & Global Coordination: Both countries share a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, often coordinating positions in multilateral forums like ASEAN, APEC, and the CPTPP.

 

 

 

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7. Australia: A Forward-Looking Friendship in the Indo-Pacific (Elevated March 2024)

 

The relationship between Vietnam and Australia has seen rapid growth, moving from a Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2024, reflecting shared interests in regional stability and economic prosperity.

 

• Growing Economic Ties: Strong and expanding trade and investment links, with significant opportunities in agriculture, education, and mining. Australia is a key market for Vietnamese goods.
• Defense & Security Cooperation: Enhanced collaboration in maritime security, peacekeeping, and counter-terrorism, reflecting shared regional security concerns.
• Education Hub: Australia is a popular destination for Vietnamese students, fostering strong people-to-people connections and human resource development.
• Climate Change & Energy Transition: Emerging cooperation on critical global issues like climate change response and green energy transition.

 

 

 

 

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8. France: A Bridge of History, Culture, and Modern Cooperation (Elevated October 2024)

 

The elevation of ties with France to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in October 2024 highlights the enduring historical, cultural, and political bonds between the two nations, now poised for deeper collaboration in contemporary fields.

 

• Historical & Cultural Depth: A unique historical connection provides a rich foundation for cultural exchange, education, and diplomacy. France remains a significant cultural influence in Vietnam.
• Economic & Investment Growth: France is a major European investor in Vietnam, with increasing trade volume, particularly in high-tech industries, infrastructure, and consumer goods.
• Defense & Security Dialogue: Ongoing dialogue and cooperation in defense and security, including maritime issues and training.
• Multilateral Coordination: Both countries actively cooperate on global and regional issues, including climate change, multilateralism, and promoting international law.

 

 

 

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9. Malaysia: Strengthening ASEAN Solidarity and Economic Connectivity (Elevated November 2024)

The upgrade of Vietnam-Malaysia relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in November 2024 solidifies a dynamic relationship within ASEAN, characterized by strong economic ties and shared regional interests.

• ASEAN Core: Both are active and influential members of ASEAN, consistently working to strengthen regional integration and stability.
• Robust Trade & Investment: Malaysia is a significant trading partner and investor in Vietnam, particularly in energy, manufacturing, and Halal industry development.
• Defense & Maritime Cooperation: Enhanced collaboration in maritime security and defense, reflecting shared concerns in the South China Sea.
• People-to-People Links: Growing tourism and labor cooperation foster deeper understanding and connection between their populations.

 

 

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10. New Zealand: A Shared Vision for Prosperity and Sustainability (Elevated February 2025)

The elevation of Vietnam-New Zealand relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in February 2025 underscores a growing alignment on trade, agriculture, and a shared vision for a sustainable future in the Indo-Pacific.

• Agricultural Powerhouse: Strong cooperation in agriculture, food processing, and high-tech farming, leveraging New Zealand’s expertise and Vietnam’s agricultural potential.
• Education & People-to-People: New Zealand is an increasingly popular study destination for Vietnamese students, contributing to human resource development.
• Regional Stability: Both countries share common interests in maintaining peace, stability, and adherence to international law in the region.
• Climate Change & Environment: Growing collaboration on environmental protection, sustainable development, and climate change adaptation.

 

 

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11. Indonesia: Deepening ASEAN Pillars and Maritime Cooperation (Elevated March 10, 2025)

The upgrade of Vietnam-Indonesia relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on March 10, 2025, reflects the critical importance of these two major ASEAN economies to regional stability and prosperity, particularly in the maritime domain.

• ASEAN Leaders: As two of the largest economies and most populous nations in ASEAN, their deepened partnership is crucial for the bloc’s strength and unity.
• Maritime Cooperation: Enhanced collaboration on maritime security, fisheries, and resolving maritime boundary issues. Both are significant maritime nations.
• Economic Drivers: Growing bilateral trade and investment, with significant potential in various sectors, contributing to regional economic growth.
• Regional Peace & Stability: Shared commitment to maintaining peace and stability in Southeast Asia, including addressing issues in the South China Sea through peaceful means.

 

 

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12. Singapore: Leading the Way in Digital and Green Economies (Elevated March 12, 2025)

The swift elevation of Vietnam-Singapore ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on March 12, 2025, emphasizes their pioneering role in new economic frontiers and regional connectivity.

• Pioneering Economic Hubs: Singapore is a top investor in Vietnam, with industrial parks (VSIPs) being a testament to their successful economic partnership. Focus now shifts to digital and green economies.
• Connectivity & Innovation: Strong collaboration in digital transformation, smart cities, and innovation ecosystems, with Singapore’s expertise driving Vietnam’s modernization efforts.
• Regional Integration: Both countries are staunch advocates for deeper ASEAN integration and connectivity, setting standards for regional economic cooperation.
• Human Resource Development: Extensive cooperation in education, training, and capacity building, particularly in high-tech and emerging sectors.

 

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13. Thailand: Bridging the Mekong Subregion and Beyond (Elevated May 16, 2025)

The latest elevation of relations with Thailand to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on May 16, 2025, highlights the deep bilateral ties within ASEAN and shared ambitions for regional prosperity and connectivity.

• Strong ASEAN Partners: Both are key pillars of ASEAN, driving regional economic growth and connectivity, particularly within the Mekong Subregion.
• Robust Trade & Investment: Thailand is a major trading partner and investor in Vietnam, especially in manufacturing, retail, and tourism.
• Tourism & People-to-People: Strong tourism flows in both directions, fostering cultural understanding and personal connections.
• Regional Connectivity: Cooperation on cross-border infrastructure, transport, and trade facilitation initiatives within ASEAN and the Greater Mekong Subregion.

 

 

14.The Vietnam – United Kingdom relationship has entered a new phase with its elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in October 2025, building on five decades of diplomatic ties. This upgrade reflects a mutual commitment to a safe, prosperous, and sustainable future.

• Economic and Trade Growth: Bilateral trade is underpinned by the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) and the UK’s recent accession to the CPTPP. Both nations aim to champion free, fair, and sustainable trade, with a strong focus on removing trade barriers and enhancing cooperation in finance, particularly green finance, to support Vietnam’s sustainable development.
• Six Pillars of Cooperation: The enhanced partnership focuses on cooperation across six main areas: 1) Political, Diplomatic, Defense, and Security; 2) Economy, Trade, Investment, and Finance; 3) Science, Technology, Innovation, Digital Transformation, and Health; 4) Environment, Energy, and Green Transition; 5) Education, Culture, Sports, and Tourism; and 6) People-to-People Exchanges.
• Security and Maritime Issues: Both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation on maritime security and efforts to combat illegal migration. They also emphasized the importance of peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS 1982.
• Technology and Education: The UK is committed to assisting Vietnam in education and training high-quality human resources, while also boosting collaboration in breakthrough technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.

 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion: Vietnam’s Strategic Vision for a Multipolar World

               Vietnam’s expansive network of 14 Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships is a profound testament to its dynamic, flexible, and highly effective foreign policy, encapsulated by “Bamboo Diplomacy.” By cultivating such deep, multifaceted relationships with these diverse global powers – ranging from major economies and historical allies to regional neighbors and emerging strategic partners – Vietnam significantly enhances its strategic autonomy, diversifies its economic opportunities, and strengthens its voice on the international stage.

These partnerships are not static; they continuously evolve, reflecting Vietnam’s pragmatic approach to securing its national interests and contributing actively to a more peaceful, stable, and prosperous world. As Vietnam continues its remarkable journey of development and integration, these CSPs will remain vital pillars of its global engagement strategy, propelling the nation forward into a complex yet opportunity-rich future.

 

 

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