# Vietnam expands people-to-people diplomacy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/vietnam-expands-people-to-people-diplomacy
> Updated: 2026-08-10T11:04:20.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 4.

In late July 2026, Vietnam announced a reform of its diplomatic practice, introducing “people‑to‑people” engagement as a third pillar alongside party and state diplomacy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs outlined plans to involve mass organisations, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, local authorities, and enterprises to broaden the social foundations of foreign relations.

At the 33rd Foreign Affairs Conference in Paris, officials described using this approach to mobilise international resources. Ambassador Trịnh Đức Hải emphasized linking science, technology, education, and innovation with Vietnamese agriculture, cuisine, and culture. Envoys in Kuwait, China, and Tanzania similarly promoted trade, investment, and research partnerships to build a network of friends for long‑term growth.

The 22nd National Conference on Foreign Affairs in Hanoi on 2 August, chaired by Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung, called for “local diplomacy” to become a concrete driver of development, converting external relations into projects aimed at a 10% growth target. Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung noted a shift from merely expanding ties to mobilising resources for national development.

By August 2026, the strategic shift expanded to include a new approach to the overseas population. Under Resolution No. 23-NQ/TW, the Politburo redefined the more than 6.5 million Vietnamese living abroad as a “major strategic resource” and an integral part of the nation, aiming to leverage their intellectual and technological expertise. Concurrently, Vietnam has sought to deepen its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Malaysia and continue prioritizing cooperation with the United States in science, technology, and digital transformation.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-10: Vietnam shifts foreign policy and diaspora strategy

Vietnam is shifting its foreign policy to treat the overseas diaspora as a strategic national resource and is prioritizing international cooperation to drive economic and technological development.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-shifts-foreign-policy-and-diaspora-strategy

### 2026-08-02: Vietnam pivots diplomacy toward development at 22nd national foreign affairs conference

Vietnam’s 22nd national foreign affairs conference in Hanoi urged local diplomacy to become a concrete development engine, setting criteria for results and targeting 10% growth, with officials Lê Hoài Trung, Ng

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-pivots-diplomacy-toward-development-at-22nd-national-foreign-affairs-conference

### 2026-07-31: Vietnam's diplomatic outreach seeks global resources for national development

Vietnam’s ambassadors stress using diplomacy to attract international resources, trade, culture and scientific cooperation for the country’s development.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnams-diplomatic-outreach-seeks-global-resources-for-national-development

### 2026-07-23: Vietnam reforms people‑to‑people diplomacy to boost overall foreign policy

Vietnam is overhauling its people‑to‑people diplomatic channel, adding it as a core pillar alongside party and state diplomacy to broaden international outreach and protect national interests.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-reforms-peopletopeople-diplomacy-to-boost-overall-foreign-policy

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Cite as: Vietnam expands people-to-people diplomacy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/vietnam-expands-people-to-people-diplomacy