Hanoi has been stepping up initiatives to bolster relationships with neighboring countries during the geopolitical upheaval sparked by the Trump administration.

Last week, during Vietnamese official To Lam’s visit to the affluent city-state, Vietnam and Singapore concurred on upgrading their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Lam — the general secretary of the Vietnamese Communist Party and Vietnam’s preeminent political leader — engaged in discussions with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and various senior officials on several key topics. enhancing collaboration in economics and security between the two sides.

Throughout the visit, multiple accords were signed by both parties, who also delved into discussions about collaboration in submarine cable development, digital connection enhancement, and transboundary data exchange.

According to a joint statement, Lam and Wong also talked about sustainable growth, the enlargement of industrial zones, as well as maintaining tranquility and stability in the area.

Singapore committed more than $10 billion in investment to Vietnam in the previous year.

Both nations, which are part of the ASEAN regional group, maintain strong economic ties. Their two-way trade reached $23.5 billion (€21.7 billion) last year, representing a 9.5% rise from the prior year.

Singapore is also one of Vietnam's leading foreign investors, with approximately $10.2 billion invested last year. According to official statistics, this sum represents 27% of Vietnam’s overall foreign investment.

Bich Tran, a postdoctoral fellow at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore, stated that Hanoi aimed to enhance its global status by strengthening relations with the island country.

She mentioned to Sport.bangjo.co.id that Singapore provides opportunities for investment and advances in technology related to digital transformation and the move towards greener practices.

Vietnam branches out

The decision to strengthen relationships occurs amid geopolitical instability following US President Donald Trump’s assertive “America First” agenda. This includes attempts to realign global trade and investment patterns and threats to enforce extensive tariffs on trading allies.

As stated by Ian Chong, an assistant professor of political science at the National University of Singapore, by enhancing relationships with Vietnam, Singapore aims to “reduce uncertainties” stemming from statements and behaviors emanating from Washington.

"The relationship between Singapore and Vietnam has been quite strong, particularly on an economic level. Vietnam represents a significant market. Therefore, enhancing diplomatic connections can help reduce economic risks associated with the United States' unpredictable behavior," he explained to Sport.bangjo.co.id.

Hanoi is emphasizing "the prioritization of partnerships with important neighboring countries and the enhancement of a web of regional alliances," according to Khac Giang Nguyen, who is a visiting fellow at the Vietnam Studies Program at the ISEAS—Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore.

"For Vietnam, the true protection from geopolitical instability comes from their capacity to strengthen bonds with similar-thinking countries and unify, instead of relying on an unreliable outside force," he noted.

Over the last ten years, Vietnam has been pursuing a "bamboo diplomacy" strategy , aiming to maintain equilibrium in relations with every significant country.

However, the country remains involved in protracted territorial disagreements with China Over the South China Sea, and Hanoi’s gentle diplomatic approach is sparking public discontent in Vietnam. Many view it as a sign of subservience toward a long-standing rival.

Over the last three years, the Vietnamese government has set up all-encompassing strategic collaborations with numerous nations including countries like Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea, among others.

Shared interests

Last August, after assuming the position of Vietnam's paramount leader subsequent to the demise of his predecessor Nguyen Phu Trong, Lam has additionally advocated for strengthened relationships with neighboring nations.

Zachary Abuza, who teaches at the National War College in Washington, stated that Singapore presents a "highly attractive political framework" for Vietnam’s leadership.

"Lam aims to transform Vietnam from an ideologically communist country into one similar to Singapore’s model of a practical state-directed authoritarian system," he explained to Sport.bangjo.co.id.

At the same time, Singapore expects the partnership to enhance Vietnam's defense capabilities, Abuza said. This would allow Hanoi to counter China's growing military dominance in South China Sea's disputed waters.

"Singapore clearly desires to witness Vietnam's economic development in order to bolster a stronger military capable of resisting Chinese pressure," he emphasized.

Edited by: Srinivas Mazumdaru

Author: Tommy Walker