Upon its establishment, Vietnam’s foreign policy assumed two key tasks, getting France to recognise Vietnam as an independent country through negotiations and second, forcing Chinese troops - who had come to disarm Japanese soldiers following the end of World War 2 - out of the country.
Based on the doctrine "Unyielding in principle and flexible in strategy", Vietnamese diplomats manoeuvred through the difficult peace negotiations in Geneva in 1954 and in Paris from 1969 to 1973. Their success contributed greatly to Vietnam's independence. In the period that came after, the motto has guided the country through the Doi moi - or Renovation period and global integration process.
70 years ago, Vietnam managed through negotiations to bring freedom for the country. Today, the sector continues to play an essential role in raising the country's profile in the world.
