[REVISION HISTORY]

Vietnam's expanding global diplomacy and tech partnerships

84 recorded revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-11-08 06:21 UTC → 2026-11-10 03:02 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Following President To Lam’s August 2026 state visits to Australia and New Zealand, Vietnam has significantly expanded its diplomatic and economic footprint. In September, To Lam conducted high-level visits to Russia and France. In Russia, discussions focused on reaching $15 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, with reports that Gazprom Neft is negotiating to acquire a 49% stake in the Dung Quat refinery. In France, To Lam and President Emmanuel Macron reinforced their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signing an Action Plan for 2026–2028 and securing major aviation ~~deals, including aircraft purchases by Vietnam Airlines and Vietravel Airlines from Airbus.~~ deals. At the 81st UN General Assembly, To Lam reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to multilateralism, stating that “change is inevitable, conflict and confrontation are not.” ~~During this period, Vietnam also elevated its relationship with Canada to a Strategic Partnership.~~ Technological cooperation is a primary focus in the Indo-Pacific. Relations with Japan are transitioning toward a “co-creation approach” involving joint research in AI, robotics, UAVs, and semiconductors. ~~This includes efforts~~ During an official visit to ~~connect overseas scientists with domestic institutions~~ Tokyo in November 2026, To Lam and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae witnessed the ~~development~~ signing of 11 cooperation documents covering energy, education, science, and the ~~Vietnam-Japan University. Under~~ environment. These include a JICA loan for the O Mon 3 thermal power plant, nuclear energy cooperation, and a memorandum of understanding regarding AI research. Educational ties are also deepening through the NEXUS Japan-Vietnam “Semiconductors” program, ~~a collaboration between Japan’s MEXT and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, the two nations aim~~ which aims to recruit 60 doctoral students between 2025 and 2029. The Vietnam-Japan University ~~(VJU)~~ (VJU), which offers dual-degree programs with institutions like Waseda University, is set to ~~become the first Vietnamese higher education institution to~~ receive iJAS international quality accreditation in 2025. Experts note that the economic relationship with Japan is shifting toward a more equal partnership based on joint development rather than traditional support, driven by Vietnam’s rising income and technological capabilities. Similarly, Vietnam is strengthening digital transformation and semiconductor chip design partnerships with South Korea.

Versions

Showing the 50 most recent. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.