Vietnamese Communist Party Central Committee General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong passed away at the age of 80 on the 19th, with State President To Lam temporarily assuming his position as General Secretary and Secretary of the Central Military Commission. Experts are analyzing the impact of Trong’s death on the Vietnamese political landscape and the sensitive China-Vietnam relationship.
According to Vietnam News Agency, the announcement of Trong’s death by the Communist Party Central Committee on Friday did not disclose specific details about his illness, but stated that Vietnam would hold a state funeral for him.
Trong had served as the General Secretary of the Vietnamese Communist Party and Secretary of the Central Military Commission since 2011 and also briefly held the position of State President. He was considered one of the most powerful leaders in Vietnam over the past few decades.
During his tenure as General Secretary, Trong led a major anti-corruption campaign that led to the resignation of several high-ranking officials, including the State President and other key figures. Despite facing health issues in his second five-year term, he oversaw the amendment to allow the Party Chairman to serve more than two terms, securing his third term in 2021.
Human rights organizations have criticized Trong for cracking down on dissenting voices, including activists, journalists, and social media users during his leadership.
Some observers believe that Trong’s era symbolizing communism and the old times has ended. Although the Communist Party system remains, the ideology and ideals it represents have diminished.
Experts from international institutions have weighed in on Trong’s legacy. An associate professor from the University of Technology Sydney commented that Trong was associated with the political establishment and his passing signifies a shift in the political landscape. The future of Vietnam under new leadership will determine if the country can break away from past ideologies and embrace change.
The successor to Trong, To Lam, a former Minister of Public Security, was elected as State President in May and played a crucial role in anti-corruption efforts under Trong’s leadership.
As the transition of power unfolds in Vietnam, the international community watches closely to see how the country’s political direction and relationships evolve, particularly in the context of Vietnamese-Chinese relations and the South China Sea conflict.
Trong’s diplomatic approach, known as “bamboo diplomacy,” balanced relations between the US and China. His engagements with key world leaders like former US President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping influenced Vietnam’s foreign policy strategies.
With Trong’s passing, China immediately expressed condolences, highlighting the intertwined history and Communist ties between the two countries. However, the future dynamics between the two Communist parties and their governance await observation.
The impact of Trong’s death on the power struggle between China and Vietnam underscores the broader geopolitical influence at play in the region. The evolving relationship could potentially reshape the political landscape in Southeast Asia.
In conclusion, the passing of Trong marks the end of an era in Vietnamese politics, with implications reaching far beyond the country’s borders. As Vietnam navigates its political transition, the outcomes will not only affect its domestic governance but also have ripple effects in the broader geopolitical arena.