Vietnam’s entry in 1995 was more than a symbolic expansion; it was a strategic turning point that reshaped ASEAN’s identity, credibility, and geopolitical posture.
From the outset, Vietnam’s membership added political and economic weight to the grouping.
Emerging from post-war reconstruction and the Doi Moi reforms, Vietnam brought a dynamic economy and a pragmatic foreign policy that aligned with ASEAN’s principles of non-interference, consensus, and peaceful cooperation.
Despite differences in political systems, Vietnam’s approach to diplomacy had long resonated with ASEAN’s ethos—even before its formal accession.
Vietnam’s entry also enabled ASEAN to advance its strategic goal of geographic completeness. As the first Indo- China country to join, Vietnam paved the way for Laos and Myanmar in 1997, and Cambodia in 1999—completing ASEAN’s vision of a ten-member community that spans both maritime and continental Southeast Asia.
This expansion was not merely cartographic; it was a recalibration of ASEAN’s regional purpose. Vietnam’s accession signalled that ASEAN could transcend ideological divides and embrace political diversity as a foundation for peace and stability.
This shift marked a collective rethinking among the ASEAN-5—the founding members of the bloc. It affirmed that ASEAN’s role in maintaining peace and stability should not rely on a homogeneous domestic political system, as seen in the European Union. ASEAN was never meant to be an “EU in the Far East.”
Instead, Vietnam’s membership introduced a new modality of regionalism: one that respects sovereignty, embraces diversity, and builds unity through shared interests rather than uniform governance.
To add, Vietnam accession to ASEAN reaffirmed that the criteria to be the member of the association is only one which is be in Southeast Asia physically and strategically.
A Lesson Learned from Viet Nam: Navigating the Big Boys
Perhaps most importantly, Vietnam has offered ASEAN a strategic template for navigating great power rivalry. Through its “bamboo diplomacy”—flexible yet deeply rooted—Vietnam has maintained strategic autonomy while engaging both China and the United States.
It avoids formal alliances, yet deepens defense and economic ties with Washington, while preserving party-to-party relations and economic interdependence with Beijing. This balancing act is not just a national strategy; it is a regional lesson in agency.
Vietnam’s foreign policy demonstrates how ASEAN member states can engage major powers without being entrapped by them. It shows that strategic autonomy is not only possible, but essential in a multipolar world.
In this sense, Vietnam has helped solidify ASEAN’s own agency—a principle later known as ASEAN Centrality. By maintaining independence in decision-making while remaining open to cooperation, Vietnam reinforces the idea that ASEAN can be a convening power, not just a passive arena.
Indonesia – Vietnam are the anchors of ASEAN in a turbulent world
Today, as the geopolitical landscape grows more complex—with rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, technological disruptions, and climate challenges—the question is not whether Vietnam belongs in ASEAN, but how Vietnam can lead.
With its growing global stature, economic resilience, and diplomatic dexterity, Vietnam is well-positioned to help ASEAN become more agile, relevant, and strategic.
On the other hand, Indonesia finds itself strategically aligned with Vietnam in navigating the geopolitical landscape.
Both countries are also shared similar modalities – Both Jakarta and Hanoi are closed and known in Beijing and Washington DC. Both countries economies are also attracting to major countries.
Another strength of the two countries is an ethos of pragmatic and principled approach in their diplomatic practices.
This means the two countries can work in space of accommodating the interest of others without harming their principled position. Hence, Indonesia and Vietnam can help the rest of ASEAN countries to better respond to the strategic rivalry between the US and China.
Not only on the strategic rivalry, Indonesia and Vietnam can push and defend open economy and promote intra-regional trade at the same time as both countries are the two fast growing economies in Southeast Asia. Hence, both countries have the natural ability to ensure that Southeast Asia remains a region free from hegemonic domination.
All in all, Vietnam’s legacy in ASEAN is not just historical, but it is also a living blueprint. It reminds us that regionalism is not built on sameness, but on shared purpose.
Thirty years ago, Vietnam joined ASEAN and helped it evolve from a Cold War-era alliance into a post-Cold War community of pragmatic cooperation. Today, Vietnam can help ASEAN evolve again—into a forward-looking, resilient, and inclusive force in global affairs.
As we commemorate this milestone, we must also look ahead. Vietnam’s journey in ASEAN is far from over. It is a story of transformation, leadership, and strategic clarity—one that ASEAN must continue to learn from, and build upon.
*) Calvin Khoe is the Executive Secretary of the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI)
*) The views and opinions expressed on this page are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the ANTARA News Agency
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