Vietnam’s foreign policy in the 21st Century: Balancing global powers

Abstract

Vietnam's strategic location in Southeast Asia places it at the intersection of competing global interests, particularly those of China, the United States, and ASEAN. This article examines Vietnam's foreign policy in the 21 st century, focusing on its balanced approach to maintaining national sovereignty, promoting economic growth, and ensuring regional stability. Through a qualitative analysis of diplomatic relations, key policy principles, and geopolitical challenges, the study highlights Vietnam's pragmatic diplomacy and its implications for regional and global governance. Recent developments in the South China Sea and heightened US-Vietnam strategic ties are incorporated to reflect the current geopolitical landscape. This study provides an updated analysis with empirical data on trade, military activities, and multilateral engagements. Additionally, Vietnam's growing partnerships with India, Japan, and the European Union are analyzed in the tạicontext of shifting global power dynamics.