Vietnam’s 30 years in ASEAN: Strengthening role, spreading influence

Jakarta, July 22 (VNA) – Over the past three decades as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Vietnam has not only contributed significantly to fostering intra-bloc solidarity and building a stronger ASEAN Community but has also elevated its international stature, Indonesian experts said in interviews with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) in Jakarta on the occasion of the country’s ASEAN membership anniversary (July 28, 1995 – 2025).

According to Dinna Prapto Raharja, a researcher at Indonesia’s Synergy Policies, Vietnam’s accession to the bloc was a pivotal moment that reinforced the geopolitical landscape of Southeast Asian countries. She said that ASEAN has since gained a more reliable regional structure – a development she regarded as highly significant.

Dinna noted that Vietnam’s consistent domestic reforms have contributed to the region’s rapid development, particularly through its remarkable economic growth. She also highlighted that Vietnam’s ideas have inspired other member states in how to adapt to a rapidly evolving global context.

In economic cooperation, she noted that Vietnam has contributed significantly to the growth of intra-bloc trade, which has quadrupled over the past thirty years. While Vietnam has benefited greatly from enhanced trade relationships with its fellow ASEAN member states, others, including Indonesia, have also gained from Vietnam's active participation in the organisation.

Meanwhile, Beni Sukadis, a senior coordinator at Indonesia Institute for Defence and Strategic Studies (LESPERSSI), said Vietnam’s rapid development and sound economic policies have helped drive ASEAN towards becoming a more integrated market.

He noted that Vietnam is widely recognised as an active and assertive member in efforts to strengthen ASEAN unity. From a regional security perspective, particularly concerning the East Sea, the nation has maintained a clear and consistent stance, while also demonstrating a constructive and responsible approach, particularly in advancing the Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea.

Beni added that Vietnam’s proactivity and consistency have positioned it as a key player in upholding the rule of law through constructive dialogue and peaceful negotiation between ASEAN and China. Alongside Indonesia, Vietnam has become an influential voice in pushing forward the COC negotiations. Together with Malaysia and the Philippines, Vietnam is seen as a frontrunner in advocating for respect for international law and the rule of law, thereby contributing to a stable and transparent maritime security environment in the region.

Vietnam is also regarded as a bridge-builder, fostering deeper ties between ASEAN and its external partners, he said.

With a development vision toward 2045, a milestone by which the bloc aims to become a comprehensive community and Vietnam aspires to reach developed, high-income status, Beni expressed confidence that the country will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the region’s trajectory.

Indonesian experts shared a view that by 2045, Vietnam will stand as a driving force behind ASEAN’s continued centrality within the Indo-Pacific architecture, helping to sustain a resilient, integrated, and people-centred ASEAN./.