Prof Carl Thayer. VNS Photo Nguyễn Minh

As Việt Nam marks 80 years of the Việt Nam People’s Army (VPA) and a decade of its contributions to United Nations peacekeeping, these milestones reflect the nation’s evolution into a proactive and responsible member of the global community. Professor Carl Thayer, an expert in Southeast Asian security and diplomacy, talks with Việt Nam News about Việt Nam’s defence diplomacy, its growing international role, and how its military modernisation aligns with regional security trends.

As Việt Nam celebrates a decade of UN peacekeeping and the 80th birthday of its army, how significant are these milestones in the nation's history and global integration efforts?

The 80th anniversary of the Việt Nam People’s Army is a chance to reflect on its remarkable evolution. Established on December 22, 1944, as the Việt Nam Propaganda and Liberation Army with just 34 cadres and combatants, the VPA has grown into a globally respected institution. Within a decade, it expanded to include regional and main force units that defeated the French at Điện Biên Phủ in 1954, a watershed moment in Việt Nam’s history.

After Việt Nam’s partition, the VPA undertook dual responsibilities of national defence and economic reconstruction. It played a pivotal role during the American intervention, both in defending the north against air campaigns and engaging in ground combat in the south. Following reunification in 1975, the VPA continued its dual tasks but soon faced new challenges along the southwest and northern borders, including a prolonged conflict with the Khmer Rouge.

In the 1980s, Việt Nam began demobilising its forces and modernising its military, prioritising the navy and air force. By the 1990s, Việt Nam entered an unprecedented era of peace, expanding economic and diplomatic relations while reducing its military footprint. A significant milestone was its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2008-2009, where it played an active role in addressing global challenges, including the promotion of Resolution 1889 on women and girls in post-conflict settings.

In 2014, Việt Nam made its first direct contribution to UN peacekeeping, gradually expanding its involvement by deploying medical and engineering units. By 2024, over 1,000 Vietnamese personnel will have served in UN missions, reflecting a significant expansion of the VPA’s traditional roles and enhancing Việt Nam’s international profile.

How do Việt Nam's peacekeeping efforts reflect its evolution as a responsible international actor, and how do they contribute to global peace?

Việt Nam’s involvement in UN peacekeeping began modestly, with two officers deployed to South Sudan in June 2014. This cautious start allowed Việt Nam to gain experience in peacekeeping operations. By 2017, Việt Nam expanded its commitment, sending officers to the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic.

The turning point came in 2018, when Việt Nam deployed its first Level-2 military hospital with 63 staff to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. This marked its first large-scale deployment in a peacekeeping operation, offering medical care to civilians affected by conflict.

In 2022, Việt Nam increased its engagement by deploying an engineering unit to the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei. This unit undertook critical infrastructure projects, including road repairs, school construction, and water well drilling, directly benefiting local communities.

By September 2024, Việt Nam had 291 personnel deployed in various peacekeeping roles, including military observers, trainers, and communications specialists. Notably, Việt Nam consistently exceeds UN benchmarks for the inclusion of women in its peacekeeping forces, showcasing its commitment to gender equality in international missions.

These efforts have earned Việt Nam widespread recognition from UN officials, including the Secretary-General and other senior leaders. Its decade-long peacekeeping contributions highlight Việt Nam’s dedication to promoting stability and humanitarian values on a global scale.

How does Việt Nam’s approach to peacekeeping align with broader trends in military diplomacy within Southeast Asia?

The end of the Cold War brought new security challenges, such as disaster relief, countering piracy, and combating transnational crime. These issues spurred the growth of multilateral defence frameworks like the ASEAN Regional Forum, ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM), and ADMM-Plus, fostering closer cooperation among member states.

Việt Nam has actively embraced this trend by establishing defence attaché networks with 42 countries and participating in international military education programs. Vietnamese officers regularly attend staff colleges in countries like Australia, and foreign military personnel are hosted at Việt Nam’s National Defence University.

In peacekeeping, Việt Nam collaborates with regional and global partners to enhance its capabilities. For example, the Việt Nam Department of Peacekeeping Operations was accredited by the UN in 2018 as one of four training centres in the Asia-Pacific under the Trilateral Partnership Program. This partnership includes the UN, Việt Nam, and other countries, allowing Việt Nam to train its personnel to international standards.

In July 2024, Việt Nam hosted a United Nations Military Observer Training Course in Hà Nội, attended by participants from Indonesia, Thailand, Mongolia, and Sri Lanka. Such initiatives highlight Việt Nam’s growing leadership in regional military cooperation.

Within ASEAN, Việt Nam ranks among the top peacekeeping contributors, although Indonesia leads the region with 2,747 personnel deployed as of September 2024. Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand also maintain significant contributions, while Việt Nam’s participation has steadily grown, reflecting its commitment to regional and global peace.

How have Việt Nam's peacekeeping contributions influenced its military modernisation and diplomatic strategy?

Việt Nam’s peacekeeping efforts have strengthened its military through enhanced training, international collaboration, and exposure to modern operational standards. Vietnamese personnel have received training from countries like Australia, the US, and the EU, covering areas such as aeromedical evacuation and emergency response.

As Việt Nam gained experience, its officers assumed leadership roles within the UN, serving as staff officers and training instructors. In 2020, Việt Nam chaired the Association of Asia-Pacific Peace Operations Training Centres, highlighting its growing expertise in peacekeeping operations.

Collaborative exercises, such as the Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise (VINBAX), have further boosted Việt Nam’s operational capacity. In November 2024, the fifth VINBAX exercise focused on peacekeeping scenarios and disaster response, incorporating drones for the first time. Participants conducted simulations for earthquake, fire, and flood rescue missions, improving coordination and readiness for complex operations.

Việt Nam has also advanced the UN’s Women, Peace and Security agenda. In August 2024, it released its first National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, reinforcing its commitment to gender equality. This initiative aligns with Việt Nam’s broader diplomatic strategy, which emphasises multilateralism and responsible global engagement.

How do these achievements reflect on Việt Nam’s strategic vision for its army and its role in the international community?

Việt Nam’s peacekeeping contributions underscore its transition from a country focused on national defence to a proactive global actor. By participating in UN missions, Việt Nam has not only enhanced its international standing but also modernised its military capabilities in niche areas like humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

These efforts align with Việt Nam’s broader strategic goals of promoting peace, fostering regional stability, and strengthening defence ties with key partners. Through its network of defence attachés, participation in multilateral forums, and leadership in peacekeeping training, Việt Nam has positioned itself as a reliable and responsible partner in addressing global security challenges.

The VPA’s 80-year journey, from its humble beginnings to its current role in international peacekeeping, reflects the resilience and adaptability of Việt Nam’s defence policies. As the country looks to the future, its contributions to global peace and stability will remain a cornerstone of its diplomatic and military strategies.

As Việt Nam celebrates 80 years of the VPA and a decade of peacekeeping contributions, these milestones highlight the nation’s commitment to building a more secure and stable world. Through its dedication to multilateralism and proactive diplomacy, Việt Nam continues to make its mark as a respected and responsible global player. VNS