[REVISION HISTORY]

Vietnam expands people-to-people diplomacy

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-26 23:21 UTC → 2026-08-29 03:02 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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. The conference established four evaluation criteria—tangible outcomes, added value, adherence to timelines, and public expectations—to convert external relations into projects aimed at a 10% economic 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. This policy aims to leverage the diaspora’s intellectual, scientific, and technological expertise to support national power. ~~Concurrently, Vietnam has sought~~ In late August, this focus on intellectual capital was evidenced by the intentions of Vietnamese researchers abroad to ~~deepen its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Malaysia, aiming for $20 billion~~ return home. In Russia, PhD candidates specializing in ~~bilateral trade, while continuing~~ UAV control algorithms and urban expansion expressed a firm intention to ~~prioritize cooperation with the United States~~ apply their expertise in ~~science, technology, and digital transformation.~~ Vietnam. This individual commitment aligns with long-term efforts, such as Resolution No.

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