Mr. Lam said strategic autonomy and stronger national action capacity are an essential foundation for Vietnam's rapid, sustainable development in the new era.
Mr. Lam’s words set the direction for domestic development and reflect Vietnam's foreign policy vision of strengthening internal capabilities to engage internationally with greater confidence and elevate Vietnam’s global standing.
Strategic autonomy begins with internal strength
Strategic autonomy does not mean isolation. It means preserving the nation’s right to make its own decisions and effectively using international resources to advance national interests. Ambassador Nguyen Quang Khai, a foreign affairs expert, said top leader Lam's message calls for the shift from a reactive mindset to one focused on enabling national capacity.
"The General Secretary and President's remarks carry profound significance for Vietnam in this new era. From a foreign affairs perspective, strategic autonomy and stronger national capacity represent a transition from passive response to proactive action. A country's position is strengthened when it has solid internal capabilities and can transform external opportunities into drivers of development. Strategic autonomy must therefore go hand in hand with national capacity, meaning the ability to turn policy decisions into tangible outcomes through effective governance, a resilient economy, and a proactive, flexible foreign policy," said Mr. Lam.
Ambassador Khai noted that, while strategic autonomy enables a country to choose the right path, national action capacity determines whether the choice can be translated into concrete results.
Vietnam's achievements in the first half of the year reflect its growing capacity. Vietnam has expanded its network of international partners and economic diplomacy has secured hundreds of cooperation agreements, many in science, technology, and innovation. GDP grew 8.18%, the highest in many years, demonstrating that major policy initiatives are being translated into tangible outcomes.
The international community now views Vietnam as one of the world's fastest-growing economies, capable of implementing policies effectively and maintaining long-term stability. The World Bank's recognition of Vietnam as an upper-middle-income country is further evidence of its progress.
World Bank Country Director for Vietnam Mariam Sherman said: "This milestone can further help reinforce international confidence in Vietnam's long-term economic prospects and the country's position as a destination for investment. The encouraging news is that Vietnam already has many of the essential ingredients in place. The country has a young and talented workforce, macroeconomic stability, and perhaps most importantly, a strong ambition and demonstrated willingness. The next chapter will be defined not only by how fast Vietnam grows, but also by the quality of that growth."
Strategic autonomy for deeper global integration
Sustained economic growth, continued reform, and macroeconomic stability have increased the international community's strategic trust in Vietnam. In an increasingly uncertain world, strategic trust has become a valuable asset in international relations, earned through a country's ability to act decisively, transform vision into results, and turn commitments into reality.
Mr. Lam's message at the 3rd Plenum reaffirmed Vietnam's consistent view that the stronger its internal capabilities and national action capacity, the greater its ability to pursue equal, effective, and sustainable international cooperation. General Secretary and President Lam has repeatedly emphasized his foreign policy vision.
"We regard international integration as a key driver of national development. To achieve peace and development, we must remain open to the world. Vietnam's economy is already very open, and our security is closely linked to regional and global security. We believe international integration should be expanded—not only as a catalyst for development but also as a leading means of achieving the country's long-term strategic objectives," said Mr. Lam.
With strategic autonomy and national action capacity continuing to strengthen, Vietnam is demonstrating a clear development vision and the ability to turn that vision into reality. As Vietnam’s capacity to act grows, so too will international confidence, creating new momentum for deeper integration, more effective cooperation, and sustainable development.
