Vietnam’s Party Chief Reaffirms ASEAN Commitment During Historic Jakarta Visit

In a landmark visit to the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Monday, Vietnam’s Party General Secretary Tô Lâm underscored his country’s unwavering commitment to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Accompanied by his wife and a high-ranking delegation, Lâm’s trip marks a historic first for a leader of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) to the Secretariat, reflecting the centrality of ASEAN in Vietnam’s foreign policy as the nation approaches the 30th anniversary of its accession to the bloc in 1995.

The visit, warmly received by ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn and his team, comes at a pivotal moment for the region. With global challenges mounting—from economic uncertainties to geopolitical tensions—Lâm’s presence in Jakarta signals Vietnam’s intent to play a leading role in fostering unity and advancing ASEAN’s shared goals. His message was clear: only through cohesion can ASEAN navigate the complexities of the modern world.

A Symbolic and Strategic Visit

Lâm’s arrival at the ASEAN Secretariat was marked by a series of symbolic gestures that highlighted both Vietnam’s cultural ties to the region and its strategic ambitions. Following an official welcome ceremony, the Party chief planted a commemorative tree on the Secretariat’s grounds, a gesture of enduring partnership. He also presented a painting for display in the Secretariat’s traditional exhibition room, adding to a collection of 142 artworks gifted by leaders of ASEAN member states and partners. This piece, the seventh from Vietnam, serves as a tangible reminder of the country’s deepening engagement with the bloc.

During a working meeting with Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn and the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR), Lâm reflected on Vietnam’s contributions to the organisation over the past three decades. He expressed pride in ASEAN’s global standing and the significant progress made since Vietnam joined in 1995, a milestone that also coincides with the 10th anniversary of the ASEAN Community’s establishment in 2015. Drawing on Vietnam’s own development journey, Lâm pledged continued efforts to support the ASEAN Community’s common goals, emphasising that regional cooperation remains a cornerstone of Hanoi’s foreign policy in what he described as a “new era.”

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn echoed this sentiment, describing the visit as a “historic milestone” that underscores Vietnam’s pivotal role within the organisation. He expressed hope that Vietnam would continue to provide leadership, particularly as ASEAN grapples with the need for innovative strategies to address emerging challenges. Kao’s remarks highlighted Vietnam’s past contributions and the expectation that Hanoi will help shape the bloc’s future direction, especially as it works towards realising the ASEAN Vision 2025 and the longer-term ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

Unity as the Bedrock of ASEAN’s Future

A key theme of Lâm’s address was the importance of unity within ASEAN. In a world marked by increasing complexity and division, he argued that the bloc must remain a cohesive force to overcome challenges and maintain its relevance on the global stage. “Only through unity can ASEAN address the challenges of today’s complex global landscape,” Lâm stated, reinforcing the need for solidarity among member states.

He also stressed the importance of bilateral cooperation as a means of strengthening ASEAN’s collective power. By fostering deeper ties between individual nations, Lâm believes the bloc can advance its shared development goals and enhance its ability to respond to regional and international issues. This perspective aligns with Vietnam’s broader foreign policy, which has increasingly prioritised multilateral engagement as a way to balance competing interests in the region, particularly in the context of tensions in the South China Sea and economic competition with larger powers.

Lâm praised the ASEAN Secretariat’s role in facilitating cooperation across various sectors and with external partners. He also acknowledged the contributions of past Secretaries-General and the critical work of ambassadors and CPR members in building the ASEAN Community, enhancing connections among members, and forging closer ties with partners. Urging continued coordination between the Secretariat, CPR, and member states, Lâm called for a renewed focus on implementing strategic plans that will shape ASEAN’s future over the coming decades.

Vietnam’s Evolving Role in ASEAN

Vietnam’s engagement with ASEAN has evolved significantly since it joined the bloc in 1995. Initially a newcomer navigating the post-Cold War landscape, Hanoi has grown into a confident and proactive member, often taking on leadership roles during critical moments. Its chairmanship of ASEAN in 2020, for instance, was widely praised for its handling of regional responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the coordination of economic recovery initiatives and vaccine distribution frameworks. Vietnam has also been a vocal advocate for ASEAN centrality in regional architecture, pushing for the bloc to remain a key player amid competing influences from major powers like China and the United States.

Analysts see Lâm’s visit as a continuation of this trajectory, with Vietnam positioning itself as a stabilising force within ASEAN. “Vietnam has consistently advocated for a rules-based regional order, and this visit reaffirms its commitment to ASEAN as the primary platform for achieving that,” said Dr. Linh Tran, a Southeast Asia expert based in Hanoi. “By engaging directly with the Secretariat, Lâm is sending a message that Vietnam is ready to lead on issues like economic integration and conflict resolution.”

The timing of the visit is also significant. As ASEAN prepares to mark several key anniversaries, including Vietnam’s 30 years of membership, there is growing momentum for the bloc to adopt what Lâm described as “breakthrough thinking” and “sharper strategies.” While specific policy proposals were not detailed during the visit, his remarks suggest a push for more innovative approaches to issues like climate change, digital transformation, and intra-regional trade—areas where Vietnam has already made notable strides domestically.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Despite the optimism surrounding Lâm’s visit, ASEAN faces a host of challenges that will test its unity and resolve. Disparities in economic development among member states, coupled with differing political systems and priorities, often complicate consensus-building. Geopolitical tensions, particularly in the South China Sea, continue to loom large, with Vietnam among the most vocal critics of external interference in the region. While Lâm did not directly address these disputes during his Jakarta visit, his emphasis on unity can be read as an implicit call for ASEAN to present a united front on such issues.

There are also questions about how ASEAN can maintain its relevance in a rapidly changing global order. With emerging powers and non-traditional security threats reshaping the international landscape, the bloc must adapt to remain a credible voice. Lâm’s call for closer coordination with the Secretariat and CPR reflects an understanding of this need, as does his recognition of the importance of external partnerships in boosting ASEAN’s effectiveness.

For Vietnam, the visit to Jakarta offers an opportunity to reinforce its credentials as a regional leader while addressing domestic priorities. Strengthening ties with ASEAN aligns with Hanoi’s broader goal of economic diversification and resilience, particularly as it seeks to reduce dependence on any single market or partner. By championing regional cooperation, Vietnam can also enhance its diplomatic leverage, positioning itself as a mediator in disputes and a bridge between ASEAN and external actors.

Looking to the Future

As Lâm concluded his historic visit, the message was one of optimism and determination. Vietnam’s commitment to ASEAN, as articulated by its Party chief, is not merely rhetorical but rooted in a strategic vision for the region’s future. With the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 on the horizon, Hanoi appears ready to play a central role in shaping the bloc’s trajectory, drawing on its own experiences of development and reform to contribute to shared goals.

The visit also served as a reminder of the personal and cultural dimensions of diplomacy. From the planting of a commemorative tree to the exchange of symbolic gifts, Lâm’s engagement with the ASEAN Secretariat highlighted the importance of building trust and goodwill alongside policy discussions. For an organisation often critiqued for its bureaucratic processes, such gestures underscore the human element at the heart of regional cooperation.

In the coming years, ASEAN will face tests of its unity and adaptability. Yet, if Lâm’s visit is any indication, Vietnam is prepared to stand at the forefront of these efforts, advocating for a bloc that is not only united but also forward-thinking. As the region navigates an uncertain future, Hanoi’s voice—rooted in a commitment to multilateralism and mutual progress—will likely remain a critical one within ASEAN’s chorus.