For decades, the machinery of Vietnamese diplomacy has operated through two primary channels: the formal corridors of state-to-state relations and the strategic alignment of Party-to-Party ties. But a significant pivot is underway in Hanoi. The Vietnamese government is now formally elevating “people-to-people diplomacy” to a strategic pillar, placing it on equal footing with the diplomatic efforts of the state and the Communist Party.
This shift, detailed during the discussions of the 11th National Congress of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF), represents more than a semantic change. We see a calculated expansion of Vietnam’s “soft power” toolkit, designed to leverage the influence of over six million overseas Vietnamese and a growing network of international non-governmental organizations to safeguard national interests in an increasingly volatile geopolitical climate.
The strategy focuses on transitioning the role of the Vietnamese diaspora from that of “emigrants” to “strategic partners.” By professionalizing cultural diplomacy and integrating digital platforms, Hanoi aims to turn cultural heritage and intellectual capital into tangible diplomatic assets. This evolution is particularly critical as Vietnam navigates sensitive disputes in the South China Sea and manages the ecological and political complexities of the Mekong River basin.
From a financial and policy perspective, the impact is already visible. The mobilization of international resources has become a key metric of success for this interpersonal approach. According to Phan Anh Son, President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, foreign NGOs contribute an estimated $240 million to $245 million annually to Vietnam—a figure that underscores the efficacy of grassroots lobbying and non-official international cooperation.
The Three Pillars of Modern Vietnamese Diplomacy
The formalization of people-to-people diplomacy is rooted in the resolutions of the Communist Party of Vietnam, specifically moving toward the goals of the 14th National Congress. The objective is to create a “comprehensive and modern” diplomatic framework where the VFF and its member organizations act as the primary coordinators for non-state interactions.
The logic is that official state diplomacy often faces barriers—political sensitivities, bureaucratic rigidity, or diplomatic stalemates—that interpersonal connections can bypass. By utilizing “direct diplomacy,” Vietnam can maintain channels of communication and influence in areas where formal diplomatic missions may be restricted or ineffective.
| Diplomatic Pillar | Primary Actor | Core Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Party Diplomacy | CPV / International Parties | Ideological alignment and strategic governance |
| State Diplomacy | Government / Embassies | Treaties, trade agreements, and formal recognition |
| People’s Diplomacy | VFF / Diaspora / NGOs | Soft power, cultural influence, and grassroots lobbying |
Leveraging the Diaspora as Strategic Capital
A central theme of the VFF’s new direction is the optimization of the “Viet Kieu” (overseas Vietnamese) community. For years, the relationship between Hanoi and its diaspora was often strained by historical baggage. However, the current discourse, championed by leaders like Le Thi Thuy and Phan Bich Thien, emphasizes a partnership based on mutual benefit and national pride.
Phan Bich Thien, President of the Vietnamese Women’s Forum in Europe, noted a profound shift in this dynamic. She highlighted the power of cultural symbols—such as the Ao Dai (traditional dress) and Vietnamese linguistic heritage—not merely as nostalgic markers, but as tools for enhancing the country’s international image. The goal is to move beyond “empty slogans” and create concrete mechanisms that allow intellectuals, scientists, and entrepreneurs abroad to contribute to domestic innovation and knowledge transfer.
To sustain this, the VFF is proposing several tactical upgrades:
- Digital Integration: Using multi-language media and digital platforms to engage younger generations of overseas Vietnamese who may not have a direct lived experience of the homeland.
- Professionalization: Moving away from “friendship exchanges” (ceremonial visits) toward “substantive cooperation” (joint ventures, policy consulting, and technical transfers).
- Institutional Support: Reducing administrative barriers that currently hinder the implementation of international projects and the flow of investment from the diaspora.
Geopolitics and the Fight Against Misinformation
While the emphasis on culture and “soft power” is prominent, the underlying driver is national security. The VFF has explicitly linked people-to-people diplomacy to the protection of national sovereignty. In sensitive areas such as human rights, democracy, and the territorial disputes in the South China Sea, the government views the diaspora and international friendship organizations as a first line of defense.
There is a concerted effort to “proactively combat” misinformation. The VFF intends to use its international networks to disseminate official narratives and refute “distorted or divisive” information that could undermine national unity. By empowering overseas Vietnamese to act as ambassadors in their host countries, Vietnam hopes to shape the international perception of its internal governance and territorial claims.
This approach transforms cultural diplomacy into a strategic shield. When a Vietnamese organization hosts an event at a foreign legislative body—as the Vietnamese Women’s Forum in Europe has done—it elevates the visibility of the Vietnamese people and creates a grassroots layer of legitimacy that supports the state’s official diplomatic positions.
The Path Toward 2031
The transition to this modern diplomatic model is not without hurdles. Delegates at the Congress emphasized the need for a “mental shift” in how political reports are written, urging a move away from qualitative descriptions toward quantitative, results-based reporting. The success of this strategy will depend on whether the VFF can successfully coordinate diverse activities nationwide and develop a cadre of professionals capable of navigating the complexities of international NGO relations.
The current discussions are feeding directly into the final documents and resolutions of the 11th National Congress of the Vietnam Fatherland Front for the 2026-2031 term. These resolutions will serve as the operational blueprint for how Vietnam integrates its global community into its national security and economic growth strategies over the next five years.
The next critical checkpoint will be the formal adoption of the 11th National Congress resolutions, which will codify the mechanisms for coordinating people’s diplomacy and the specific incentives offered to overseas intellectuals and entrepreneurs.
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