New Orientations in Vietnam's Foreign Policy

With its strategic position in Southeast Asia and its economic as well as human potentials, Vietnam had always occupied a high place on agenda of big powers' policy during the Cold War. It's struggle for national independence and unity had been so complicated by the involvement of those big powers. Probably because of that, Vietnamese people are very sensitive to security issues especial

The Doimoi reform started in 1986 marked a turning point in the development of Vietnam. Changes after that were comprehensive and far-reaching. Concerning foreign policy, however, important changes happened one year earlier with the unilateral declaration to withdraw all troops from Cambodia in phases which would complete in 1989. This bold decision stemmed from a new concept of security which ranked economic security equal to military one. The decision to withdraw troops from Cambodia and actively contribute to a peaceful resolution to the Cambodian conflict and the adoption of foreign investment law were considered to be of breakthrough nature in Vietnam foreign and domestic policy. From then on, Vietnam has been steadily moving toward deeper regional and global integration. This trend was reflected by mottos put forward in successive Party Congress of Vietnam: "more friends, less enemy" (1986); "befriend to all" (1991); "strive for regional as well as global integration" (1996). This new orientation in foreign policy, based on a broader concept of security, has led to significant achievements in Vietnam's diplomacy : (i) becoming a full member of ASEAN in 1995, (ii) normalizing diplomatic relations with the US, (iii) signing the Framework Agreement with the European Union in the same year.

Japan's optimistic view of the world order after the Cold War in which economic factor plays a decisive role was shattered during the Gulf War Military might still counts very much in crisis situations and the world seems not to be a safe place yet. How Japan, with its limited military power can be an important player in world affairs? The answer for the time being from Japan is that the country should be more active in multilateral operation and international organization so as to best contribute to peace on earth. Japan is slowly but steadily moving to that direction.

Strengthening relations with neighbouring countries is also a priority in Vietnam's foreign policy. During the Cold War, due to great powers involvement in the region, Vietnam's relations with its neighbor countries were seriously affected. Misunderstanding, suspicion and distrust between Vietnam and its ASEAN neighbor had further deteriorated bilateral relations. It is unrealistic to think that this legacy

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