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| 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of Vietnam's accession to ASEAN. |
The year 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of Vietnam joining ASEAN. Mr. Calvin Khoe, Executive Secretary of the Indonesian Foreign Policy Community (FPCI), an international relations expert at the Center for Southeast Asian Studies (PSAT), assessed that Vietnam's accession to ASEAN in 1995 was a strategic turning point that reshaped ASEAN's identity, prestige and political position.
In an article titled "Anchor for ASEAN: Vietnam and Indonesia in a Multipolar World " published recently on Indonesia's national news agency Antara , Mr. Calvin Khoe said that Vietnam's diplomatic approach has long been in tune with ASEAN's identity and that Vietnam's ASEAN membership has brought strength in political and economic position to the association.
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| Mr. Calvin Khoe, Executive Secretary of the Indonesian Foreign Policy Community (FPCI), international relations expert at the Center for Southeast Asian Studies (PSAT). (Photo: Linked in) |
With development achievements from the national reconstruction and the Doi Moi process, Vietnam has become a dynamic economy with a foreign policy consistent with ASEAN's principles of "non-interference, consensus and peaceful cooperation".
According to expert Calvin Khoe, Vietnam's participation in ASEAN paved the way for Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia to join the "common house" in 1997 and 1999, respectively; helping ASEAN promote its strategic goals and vision of a community spanning both mainland and maritime Southeast Asia.
Mr. Calvin Khoe highly appreciated the "bamboo diplomacy" approach, which is both flexible and deeply rooted, helping Vietnam maintain strategic autonomy in a multipolar world. Vietnam has an independent and autonomous foreign policy but still promotes cooperation with both the United States and China.
Vietnam’s balanced foreign policy shows that ASEAN member states can cooperate with major powers without having to “choose sides”. Vietnam also contributes to strengthening ASEAN’s autonomy – a core principle that affirms ASEAN’s central role.
Looking at the present and the future, expert Calvin Khoe said that with its growing global position, economic resilience and development, and diplomatic dexterity, Vietnam is in a favorable position to help ASEAN become more flexible, relevant and strategic in the increasingly complex global geopolitical context.
According to Mr. Calvin Khoe, Indonesia has a strategic connection with Vietnam, so the two countries can cooperate and harmonize interests without harming their diplomatic stance and principles; helping other ASEAN members respond better to major power strategic competition.
Vietnam and Indonesia also have the ability to promote and protect open economies and increase intra-bloc trade as both countries are the fastest growing economies in the region.
Expert Calvin Khoe affirmed that Vietnam's 30-year legacy in ASEAN is not only historical but also a living model, showing that regionalism is built not only from similarities but also based on common goals.
30 years ago, Vietnam joined ASEAN and has worked with the Association to develop into a cooperative and developing community. Mr. Calvin Khoe believes that Vietnam will continue to contribute to making ASEAN stronger, more future-oriented, self-reliant and inclusive.
According to Mr. Calvin Khoe, Vietnam's journey in ASEAN is a story of transformation, leadership, and strategic clarity - a story that ASEAN members need to continue to learn and cultivate.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/hanh-trinh-ba-thap-ky-truyen-cam-hung-cua-viet-nam-trong-asean-328618.html
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