Vietnam: leadership turnover and foreign-policy implications

Vietnam’s president and two deputy prime ministers were removed from their offices in January 2023 as part of an anti-corruption probe related to the coronavirus pandemic. The move was also part of a years-long effort by the general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), Nguyen Phu Trong, to ensure that the country’s high officials prioritise party loyalty over government efficiency. The appointment of Vo Van Thuong as president on 1 March was yet another signal that Trong and his allies have increased their influence over the party and the state. In foreign-policy terms, this raises doubts about the prospect of Vietnam joining any coalition led by the United States that is effectively anti-China in orientation, given Trong’s view that China’s support is essential to the success of the CPV.