Vietnamese President and General Secretary To Lam is reinforcing ties with Asean countries with threefold aim: to solidify regional stability and centrality of Asean; to strengthen Vietnam’s export-driven economy through deeper regional supply chain integration and sustained economic development; and to enhance Vietnam’s manufacturing capabilities through mutually beneficial partnerships with regional countries. It is with these objectives in view that he is touring Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines.

The cornerstone of Lam’s foreign policy is the cultivation of robust relations with regional countries, particularly with Asean members. His integrated vision of statecraft, which aligns national security, economic growth, and long-term strategic planning, drives his diplomacy. He views partnerships with other countries as central to Hanoi’s objectives of expanding manufacturing capabilities, ensuring the supply of its energy requirements and accessing new markets. He is building durable institutional frameworks for cooperation.

His diplomacy is rooted in genuine multilateralism with respect for sovereignty, different political systems, non-interference and adherence to international law. This approach has enabled Vietnam to establish partnerships with multiple countries without provoking backlash from any major power.

In Thailand, Vietnamese President and General Secretary Lam and Thailand’s PM Anutin Charnvirakul agreed to deepen cooperation on security, defence, technology and green energy and to upgrade their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They agreed to foster cooperation in transport, logistics connectivity, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, digital economy, green economy, innovation, and just energy transition. Significantly, it marks the first-ever visit to Thailand by a top Vietnamese leader in dual role, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties. This makes the visit historically notable.

On the “Three Connections” initiative, covering supply chain connectivity, connectivity between businesses and people and cooperation in sustainable development, the two sides have formed a joint working group to formulate plans and effectively implement the steps.

Both sides agreed to raise the bilateral trade to UD$25 billion. Thailand is Vietnam’s largest trading partner within Asean. Two-way trade reached US$22.1 billion in 2025, registering a 9 per cent year-on-year increase. Vietnam’s exports to Thailand rose 12.7 per cent to US$8.8 billion, while imports increased 6.7 per cent to $13.3 billion.

They agreed to reinforce coordination in combating transnational crime, cybercrime, and drug-related crimes, and enhance collaboration in ensuring maritime security and safety. An extradition agreement and a mutual legal assistance agreement on criminal matters were signed.

They underscored the importance of people-to-people exchanges, as well as cooperation in culture, education, tourism, and local-level partnerships. Lam met the Vietnamese community that serves as an important bridge of friendship.

They affirmed to work closely at multilateral forums, uphold Asean centrality, ensure maritime and aviation security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight. They stressed resolution of disputes peacefully in accordance with the 1982 UNCLOS.

His visit to Singapore is equally significant. Relations between the two countries have expanded considerably in recent years. Last year, during Lam’s visit soon after assuming office as General Secretary, the bilateral ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, indicating Singapore’s importance in Vietnam’s foreign policy.

The expansion of the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks, collaboration on green finance, and a pact on digital transformation have strengthened Vietnam’s role as the region’s manufacturing and innovation hub. Singapore is currently the largest foreign investor in Vietnam, accounting for nearly 30 per cent of total foreign direct investment. During Lam’s visit, these achievements are expected to be reviewed, while plans for further investment and technological cooperation are likely to be developed. Lam will deliver his keynote address at the Shangri La conference.

Lam’s visit to the Philippines also carries considerable significance. In recent years, relations between the two countries have strengthened substantially. Vietnam and the Philippines are Strategic Partners, and regular high-level exchanges have helped build trust and transform the relationship into a more mature and forward-looking partnership. The two countries have also agreed to address their maritime boundary issues in the South China Sea (SCS) peacefully and without external involvement. There is a strong possibility that bilateral ties may be elevated further during the visit.

Trade between the two countries has grown steadily, particularly in agriculture and industrial goods. During Lam’s visit, it is expected to finalise measures aimed at increasing bilateral trade to USD10 billion.  The Long-term Rice Trade Mechanism agreed earlier this month may be reviewed and given a push. Discussions are likely to focus prominently on reducing non-tariff barriers and addressing trade imbalances, reflecting the determination of both sides to deepen economic engagement.

The Philippines’ current chairmanship of Asean adds further significance to the visit. Vietnam’s contribution to Asean is significant as it works closely with other Asean members to maintain peace and stability in the region, uphold Asean’s unity and centrality, and strengthen the bloc’s capacity to respond to emerging challenges.

The Chairman’s statement at the 48th Asean Summit, stressed the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct (CoC). During Lam’s visit, both sides may work towards identifying concrete steps to accelerate negotiations on the CoC. As this year marks the 10th anniversary of the 2016 PCA Ruling, additional measures could be discussed to have a strong framework for governance of the SCS based on the UNCLOS 1982.

Taken collectively the aims of the tour and his participation at the Shangri La conference, reflect a determined effort not only to reinforce ties with the three nations but also to enhance Asean unity and resilience. The broader aim is to enable Asean to advance its objectives relating to food and energy security, protection of Asean nationals, the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), and the Asean Community Vision 2045. The tour is likely to generate a fresh momentum in both bilateral and multilateral cooperation and place Asean on a stronger strategic footing. Vietnam’s ability to influence regional events is substantial.

The strengthening of Asean with Vietnam playing a key role will be beneficial for India as its Act East policy is closely linked with both. Asean’s boost to the AOIP will be crucial to achieve the aim of freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific, which is being vigorously pursued by India for her and regional economic development.

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