Vietnam Shifts Foreign Information Strategy from 'Reflection' to 'Construction' and 'Guidance'

Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced a strategic shift in its foreign information dissemination from 'reflection' to 'construction' and 'guidance.' This move is crucial for effectively promoting Vietnam's national interests amidst a complex international landscape. Pham Thu Hang, Director of the Department of Press and Information, highlighted that as Vietnam enters a new phase of development and the global situation undergoes rapid and complex changes, the nature of foreign information dissemination must evolve. Hang explained that while there exists a 'flexible' or 'soft' boundary between domestic and foreign information, which can be adjusted based on management and communication objectives, they often form a unified whole. Vietnam now aims to communicate not only what it wants to say but also what the world is interested in, contributing to the formation of accurate perceptions about the country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively utilizing digital platforms and social media to reach a wider audience more quickly and diversely. It also focuses on understanding public opinion and identifying issues of international concern to ensure timely and effective communication. Hang emphasized that beyond the traditional criteria of 'speed, accuracy, appropriateness, and sufficiency,' foreign information must be persuasive, resonate deeply with the public, and garner support. She stated that by telling Vietnam's story with sincerity, its unique culture, and national values, messages can naturally gain traction across linguistic and cultural divides. This new strategy aims to enhance Vietnam's international standing and voice, strengthening its role as 'soft power' in contributing to the nation's protection, construction, and development, thereby supporting the goals set forth by the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. Source: Nhan Dan