Vietnam’s bamboo diplomacy and defense strategy amid competing geopolitical blocs

Vietnam’s foreign policy of strategic balancing, which has been described as “bamboo diplomacy”, is exerting an increasingly significant influence on the country’s defense and industrial policymaking. In the context of escalating tensions in the South China Sea and growing uncertainty within global supply chains, Hanoi is pursuing new partnerships while avoiding any abrupt disruption of its existing dependencies. This report analyzes the interplay between diversification, technological acquisition, and domestic value creation, and evaluates the associated risks and opportunities for regional stability and for cooperation with European partners.