FOREIGN AFFAIR
Kyril Whittaker, an English scholar, highly praises Vietnam's “bamboo” diplomacy, which demonstrates the development of a positive and progressive foreign policy based on Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought.
Not Giving Up Principles While Being Flexible
Sharing his views with the media, Kyril Whittaker, a political and historical researcher on Vietnam and a member of the Communist Party of Britain, recently stated that Vietnam's diplomatic approach, described by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong as having the essence of the bamboo tree with "firm roots, sturdy trunk, and flexible branches," is rooted in Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought. This shows that Vietnam has developed a positive and progressive foreign policy on such foundations.
Kyril Whittaker acknowledges that Vietnam's current foreign policy is based on strength and flexibility, with "firm roots" and "flexible branches," which demonstrates the resilience, strength, and openness of Vietnam itself. Vietnam consistently builds its foreign policy based on mutual respect, independence, peace, territorial integrity, and non-interference, while promoting openness, flexibility, and increasing efforts to improve international relations and engage in various fields.
He points out that the strength of this approach lies in Vietnam’s effort to persevere with principles while remaining flexible and adaptive to the changing world, and seeking to establish new relationships while developing existing ones.
This can be seen from small cooperative efforts such as the exchange of skills and participation in projects between the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and the Lao People's Revolutionary Youth Union, to larger issues such as Vietnam's involvement in over 70 international organizations and forums, notably as the Chair of ASEAN in 2020 and a member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 term.
Widely –Recognized Achievements in Integration
Whittaker believes that Vietnam's international integration achievements are widely recognized worldwide. Vietnam is known as a friendly and safe country that offers unique cultural experiences. Vietnam has long-standing and develops relationships with many countries while safeguarding its national independence and freedom for peaceful development.
Whittaker points out the recent visits by Vietnam high-ranking officials such as those of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's to China, of the Head of the Party Central Commission for External Relations, Le Hoai Trung, to Cuba, or of Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang to Japan respectively; they have contributed to strengthening friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and other countries.
Whittaker also acknowledges the development of the socialist-oriented market economy in Vietnam during the renewal period, which has led to its strong economic growth with deep international integration while maintaining and developing the national industry.
The living standard of Vietnamese people continues to improve; their efforts to protect the environment are enhanced, and the rights of workers are strongly protected. Vietnam can be proud of its handicraft products from craft villages known worldwide, as well as its world-famous rice and coffee with unique quality and flavors. The current foreign policy of Vietnam contributes to these successes and helps promote consecutive growths in its export.
Ideas in Diplomatic Style
Regarding Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's diplomatic style, Whittaker states that the General Secretary ensures the increasing development of Vietnam's international relations with a growing international presence.
Mr. Nguyen Phu Trong has also made significant contributions to the theoretical analysis of socialist-construction for readers worldwide, through his work "Some theoretical and practical issues on socialism and the path to socialism in Vietnam”, said Whittaker.
Whittaker considers this writing as an exemplary work highlighting the contradictions of capitalism in modern times and indicating Vietnam's path to socialism. It also mentions Vietnam's foreign policy as "an independent, self-reliant, multi-lateralized, diversified external policy for peace, friendship, cooperation for development, and proactive international integration"; it also emphasizes the lessons drawn from international integration and highlights culture as a "driving force for growth." Vietnam's culture maintains and develops its unique identity while "learning from humanity."
Whittaker points out that this is also the ideology reflected in Vietnam's diplomatic style and in the works of President Ho Chi Minh throughout the history of the Communist Party of Vietnam. It not only demonstrates the increasing application of these approaches to Vietnam's foreign policy but also represents the solid ideological foundation of the Communist Party of Vietnam under the leadership of the Vietnamese people.
The English scholar hopes that through Vietnam's “bamboo” diplomacy, the people of England will easily understand Vietnam and develop friendship with its people. Vietnam's positive example will give valuable lessons, especially in areas such as labor rights, foreign policy, economic development, and environmental protection.
Vy Anh