Vietnam Eyes Overseas Vietnamese as Strategic Resource with New Resolution

The Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam has issued Resolution No. 23-NQ/TW on August 2, 2026, marking a strategic shift in overseas Vietnamese (OV) affairs. The resolution identifies the more than 6.5 million Vietnamese living abroad as an important strategic resource for national development, aiming to create greater opportunities for their contribution. Resolution 23-NQ/TW reaffirms that overseas Vietnamese are an inseparable part of the Vietnamese nation and positions them as a bridge connecting Vietnam with the world, and as partners directly contributing to national construction, development, and defense. This strategic reorientation seeks to leverage their knowledge, expertise, capital, and international networks to foster Vietnam's economic growth and enhance its global engagement. A key focus of the new resolution is the preservation and promotion of the Vietnamese language and cultural values among the OV community. This underscores the importance of maintaining cultural identity as a vital component of nurturing enduring ties with the homeland, which is seen as crucial for Vietnam's sustained development and international influence. The resolution also emphasizes the need to actively listen to and responsibly convey the recommendations of the overseas Vietnamese community to domestic authorities. This reflects an effort within Vietnam's one-party system to incorporate diverse perspectives into policy-making. Domestically, Vietnam continues to address development and social challenges. In Hanoi, urban resettlement areas are being planned for residents affected by the Red River Landscape Boulevard project. Furthermore, the fisheries sector is intensifying efforts to eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities, with a firm policy to halt fishing vessels from entering foreign waters. Vietnam's global engagement extends to diplomatic initiatives, with high-level visits to France and Russia aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and contributing to international peace and security. These diplomatic efforts highlight Vietnam's pursuit of a balanced foreign policy in a complex geopolitical landscape.