Vietnam keeps good ties with major powers, does not pick sides: top leader

The interview, held on the sidelines of the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue, where the Vietnamese leader delivered the opening keynote address, also covered issues including the East Vietnam Sea and Vietnam's economic growth targets.

In what Reuters described as "his first interview with international media in his current role," the leader outlined Vietnam's foreign policy, relations with major countries, and development goals for the years ahead.

When asked about U.S.-China relations, he said that "competition among major powers is an objective reality."

He emphasized that "Vietnam does not approach relations with major powers through a security lens, nor does it pick sides."

Instead, the leader said Vietnam maintains good relations with major powers to cooperate on practical and important issues.

Vietnam's policy is not to cooperate with one country in ways that would harm or create difficulties for another.

As a result, Vietnam has maintained good relations with both the United States and China, contributing to regional peace and stability while benefiting all parties, he said.

Asked about Vietnam's relations with China and the East Vietnam Sea issue, he said the two countries are neighbors with longstanding ties and are carrying out substantive cooperation across many important areas.

The leader said Vietnam's policy is to continue developing good relations with China, noting that China is a priority partner in Vietnam's foreign policy as a neighboring country, an important partner, and a nation sharing many common interests.

Maintaining peaceful, stable, and cooperative relations with China benefits both countries and contributes to peace and stability in the region, he added.

On the East Vietnam Sea issue, he said Vietnam's position is clear and consistent.

Vietnam firmly safeguards its sovereignty and territorial integrity and advocates resolving disputes peacefully in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

He stressed that maintaining good relations with China and addressing issues in the East Vietnam Sea are not contradictory objectives.

If the two countries maintain good relations and effective dialogue, differences can be managed, while positive momentum in bilateral ties provides a favorable foundation for dialogue, he said.

Therefore, maintaining good relations with China, safeguarding sovereignty, and addressing East Vietnam Sea issues are objectives that complement rather than exclude one another.

Asked about the impact of the crisis in the Middle East on Vietnam's development and economic goals, the leader reaffirmed that Vietnam aims to become a developed, high-income country by 2045.

International experience and development trends show Vietnam needs to maintain double-digit growth, or at least 10 percent annually, to achieve that goal, he said.

The target has been carefully considered and is backed by determination across the political system and broad social consensus, he added.

To achieve it, Vietnam is implementing a range of measures, including reassessing national capabilities and redefining its development model.

Many challenges have already been anticipated, including global political instability, economic difficulties, supply chain disruptions, energy pressures, and volatility in international markets.

The leader noted that Vietnam is building a new growth model based on high-quality human resources, self-reliance, innovative thinking, and the application of science, technology, and digital transformation.

The country has studied development experiences of successful economies and translated them into specific policies, he said.

At the same time, it is reviewing its institutional framework, identifying bottlenecks, and carrying out reforms to remove barriers to growth and support long-term development.

The leader said results achieved in 2025, particularly in the first half of 2026, show that despite difficulties and necessary adjustments, "the core objectives remain within reach."

Asked whether Vietnam would adjust its growth target, he said the country would not lower it.

Vietnam remains committed not only to its 2026 growth target but also to maintaining that trajectory in the years ahead to achieve long-term development goals, the leader said.

Concluding the interview, he said Vietnam does not shy away from acknowledging challenges, shortcomings, and limitations, and called for objective reporting that accurately reflects the country's realities and development.