Lam, 66, has taken over as the new president of Vietnam, replacing Vo Van Thuong, who stepped down in March after allegedly violating party rules just a year after assuming office.
Despite Vietnam’s recent improvements in ties with the United States, Japan, and Australia, the country has maintained balanced relations with China. During a state visit in December by Chinese President Xi Jinping, both countries pledged to enhance cooperation.
Huynh Tam Sang, an international-relations lecturer, believes Hanoi will stick to its current foreign-policy strategy, known as “bamboo diplomacy,” balancing relations with major powers to maintain independence.
Vietnam’s security measures have been influenced by China, with Lam seeking advice on maintaining party control. However, Vietnam remains dependent on both the US and China economically.
Vietnam’s political stability and foreign policy are closely watched, with analysts expecting the country to continue its balanced approach but ready to adjust in response to changing strategic environments.