Vietnam's Strategic Partnership Ambitions: Could Canada Be Next?

Vietnam is strategically expanding its foreign relations, organizing them into a three-tier hierarchy: Comprehensive Partnerships (CPs), Strategic Partnerships (SPs), and Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships (CSPs). As of early 2026, Vietnam boasts 15 CSPs, 15 SPs, and 17 CPs, with its network reaching across continents and major power centers. Amidst this diplomatic expansion, Canada is emerging as a strong candidate for a "Strategic Partnership" upgrade. Three key reasons support this likelihood. Firstly, Vietnam's foreign policy increasingly mirrors that of "middle powers" – nations that eschew hegemony and build resilience through diversified, non-aligned partnerships. Canada shares this strategic autonomy, aligning with Vietnam's approach. Secondly, geographic considerations play a role. Vietnam's CSP and SP network is heavily concentrated in Asia and Europe, with only the United States (CSP) and Brazil (SP) in the Americas. For Vietnam, pursuing "multi-directional" diplomacy and seeking to reduce reliance on any single economy, strengthening North American ties is crucial for enhancing its global footprint. Thirdly, Vietnam already holds strategic-level partnerships with six of the seven G7 members. Canada is the only G7 economy with which Vietnam has not yet formalized a strategic-tier relationship, currently sitting at the lower "Comprehensive Partnership" level. Beyond these structural factors, both nations' leaders have signaled an intent to elevate ties. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has spoken of a "rupture" in the international order and called for middle power cooperation, a sentiment echoed by Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, who views Canada as an "important partner." Hung has expressed a desire to elevate cooperation in trade, AI, quantum technology, and semiconductors. Canada also prioritizes collaboration in sectors like AI, semiconductors, nuclear energy, and aerospace, aligning with Vietnam's industrial upgrading goals. Trade figures further bolster the case. Vietnam is Canada's largest trading partner within ASEAN, with bilateral merchandise trade reaching approximately C$15.7 billion in 2024. Vietnam's exports to Canada have continued to grow into 2026, showing a more than 20 percent increase in the first seven months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, with a notable shift towards higher-value goods. Collectively, these factors suggest a strong likelihood of Vietnam and Canada upgrading their relationship to a "Strategic Partnership." While Vietnam proceeds deliberately, the convergence of strategic logic, mutual rhetoric, and diplomatic signaling points towards an eventual upgrade. Source: The Diplomat Indonesia