Communist Review - In President Ho Chi Minh's legacy, his thought on international integration is a factor of strategic importance to the Vietnamese revolution. It lays a solid foundation and serves as a guideline for Viet Nam's diplomacy, cooperation and international integration activities in revolutionary periods, especially in the current period of international integration and Doi Moi.

Connecting Vietnamese revolutionary movements with those of the world

First of all, President Ho Chi Minh's thought shows that international cooperation and integration is an inevitable trend of the new era, an important factor leading to the success of the Vietnamese revolutionary cause. Along his journey for national salvation, President Ho Chi Minh developed a new perspective on the world, on the relationship between Viet Nam and the world. He overcame historical limitations to travel overseas and formed a connection between the Vietnamese national salvation with the global revolutionary cause.

At the end of the 19^th century and the beginning of the 20th century, there was a widespread development of anti-French patriotic movements in Viet Nam; however, these did not bring positive outcomes. One basic reason was that the patriots at that time failed to adopt suitable revolutionary directions to the changing conditions. From his experiences overseas, being aware of the trend of the times, Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh affirmed: "The Annam revolution is also part of the world revolution. Whoever stages a revolution in the world is a comrade of the people of Annam”⁽¹⁾. This can be seen as the starting point of Ho Chi Minh's thought on international integration. On the one hand, this thought represents a vision that extends to the global level; on the other hand, his open solidarity view on international integration is directed at revolutionaries without being bound by origins or skin colors. Ho Chi Minh’s thought has highlighted that one of the contributing factors to the success of the Vietnamese revolutionary cause is to integrate into and unite with the world revolutionary movement so as to produce its own synergy. Since then, he supported leading the Vietnamese revolution along the path of the new era: the path of the proletarian revolution and Viet Nam became an integral part of the world revolutionary movement.

Approaching and following the Marxist-Leninist revolutionary theory and science, Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh joined the international communist and worker movement as well as linked the struggle for national liberation of Viet Nam with that of the world. The Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) was founded and led by Ho Chi Minh, marking an important turning point in the national revolutionary history. This serves as a link connecting the Vietnamese revolution and the international communist movement. During the Second World War, “the Indochina revolution was part of the world revolution and the anti-fascist democracy movement”⁽²⁾. When the Japanese fascists surrendered to the Allies, the Vietnamese revolutionary forces took advantage of this opportunity to rise up and seize power, leading to the birth of an independent Viet Nam.

After the success of the August Revolution in 1945, President Ho Chi Minh, with his guiding ideology in foreign affairs: "firm in objectives, flexible in strategies and tactics", managed to win the support of international friends. In the Declaration of Independence, as regards foreign affairs, he called on the Allies to recognize the independence of the Vietnamese people. “We are convinced that the Allied nations, which at Teheran and San Francisco have acknowledged the principles of self-determination and equality of nations, will not refuse to acknowledge the independence of Viet Nam”⁽³⁾. Regarding the policy of the Vietnamese Government, he affirmed: "The Government’s foreign policy is being friendly with all democratic countries in the world to maintain peace"⁽⁴⁾. After the national independence was gained, as the head of the provisional government, President Ho Chi Minh sent letters to various leaders and foreign ministers of such countries as the United States, China, the Soviet Union and the United Nations... clearly expressing Viet Nam's foreign policy stance, which was expanding relations with other countries, especially great powers, to take advantage of the recognition of the legal status of an independent Viet Nam, thereby establishing the host position in communicating with foreign countries, protecting the newly established democratic republic. Since 1950, Viet Nam "opened its way to the north, establishing diplomatic relations with China, the Soviet Union and democratic countries"⁽⁵⁾. At this point, the Vietnamese revolution became a part of and received both spiritual and material support from the world revolution. Various events, which marked an important step of Viet Nam's integration into the bloc of socialist countries, have proved the vital role of diplomacy.

During the resistance war against the U.S. (1954 - 1975), with Ho Chi Minh's thought on international integration, Vietnamese diplomacy was conducted in coordination with military and political struggles, making use of the support and assistance of the Soviet Union, China, socialist countries and the solidarity among the peoples of the three Indochina countries, forming a united world people's front to support Vietnam against the US imperialist invasion, combining the national strength with the power of the times, directly contributing to the victory of the resistance war against the US, completing the cause of national liberation and reunification.

Combining the national strength with the power of the times, the domestic strength with the international power

Immediately after the declaration of independence in 1945, the Government of Viet Nam, led by President Ho Chi Minh, issued a communiqué on foreign policy, affirming the goal of "complete and permanent independence". In particular, the basic idea is to be friendly and cooperative with all countries, from the Allies, neighboring countries, the peoples fighting for liberation to the French people, including French nationals. In 1947, President Ho Chi Minh continued to affirm that Viet Nam's foreign policy motto was "befriending all democratic countries without earning enmity towards any "⁽⁶⁾. He emphasized: "Our aim at this moment is freedom and independence... As our friends, all countries, peoples or forces in the world all share the same will”⁽⁷⁾.

It can be seen that from the international integration strategy in Ho Chi Minh's thought, Viet Nam’s revolution has gradually merged with the flow of the world revolution and always associated with the national liberation movement in the world. Assessing the achievements of the contemporary Vietnamese revolution, President Ho Chi Minh affirmed: "Combining the national revolutionary movement with that of the international working class and oppressed peoples, the CPV overcame all difficulties, leading the working class and people to today's glorious victories”⁽⁸⁾. Furthermore, Ho Chi Minh's thought also clearly points out that international integration is not only unilaterally beneficial but also contributing to world peace and progress. According to President Ho Chi Minh, “Our people fought and sacrificed not only for their own freedom and independence, but also for the freedom and independence of all nations and for the world peace”⁽⁹⁾.

Recognizing the importance of the international integration strategy in Ho Chi Minh's thought, in the Doi Moi period, Viet Nam has implemented a foreign policy towards openness, multilateralization, diversification, active international integration, which is based on the principle of peace, independence, unity and sovereignty and socialism. It is thanks to its policy of expanding foreign relations and international integration that Viet Nam has gradually overcome the situation of being besieged and embargoed, established diplomatic relations with most countries in the world, participated in regional and international organizations and forums, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Asia-Europe Cooperation Forum (ASEM), the Asian Economic Cooperation Asia-Pacific (APEC), World Trade Organization (WTO), United Nations..., and promoted their proactive role in all activities at multilateral institutions.

After 1975, the international and regional situations witnessed diverse profound developments, creating both opportunities and challenges for Viet Nam. In such context, the 6^th National Congress (1986) of the CPV set out the wise guideline, with a foreign policy of openness, multilateralization, diversification and international integration in the spirit of protecting national independence and sovereignty. In the trend of peace, cooperation and development of the transitional period, the Party and State of Viet Nam have always thoroughly grasped and implemented the great lessons learned: "combining the national strength with the power of the times, the domestic strength with the international power". Specifically, in order to utilize the power of the times, the Party and State advocated "implementing the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralization, active and proactive international integration; which helped enhance the position and prestige of Viet Nam in the region and in the world”⁽¹⁰⁾.

Under the motto of proactive international integration, Viet Nam's position is increasingly heightened in the international arena, gaining great achievements politically, economically and socially. This again affirms that, in any period of history, once the development and revolution trends are recognized and the people's struggle goals are closely linked to those of the world for peace, independence, democracy and social progress, the consensus and support of revolutionary and progressive forces in the world will be generated and made use of.

Implement the principles of respect for each other's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and international cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual benefit

Since 1946, President Ho Chi Minh repeatedly sent letters to the French National Assembly and Government stating: "As long as France recognizes our independence, France will win the hearts and love of all Vietnamese people”⁽¹¹⁾. As for America, he resolutely demanded that "America must stop its war of invasion and withdraw its troops from South Viet Nam, respecting the right of self-determination of the South Vietnamese people and the Vietnamese nation"⁽¹²⁾. Signing of the Geneva Agreements (July 1954) and the Paris Peace Accords (January 1973), France and America both had to commit to and recognize the principle of respect for Viet Nam’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, which served as such an important basis that after peace is restored under the motto "putting aside the past, looking to the future" the relations between Viet Nam and those countries have been established and developed in the spirit of mutual respect, cooperation, friendship, mutual development. During the Doi Moi period, the Party and State of Viet Nam continued to observe the strategic principle of respect for each other's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity in international integration, in which, building and defending the socialist Fatherland are two strategic tasks of a dialectical relationship.

Moreover, international integration in Ho Chi Minh's thought is also highlighted in the process towards choosing partners, expanding relations and international cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.

After independence was gained in 1946, in his letter to the UN Secretary-General, President Ho Chi Minh declared that Viet Nam was ready to follow an open-door policy and cooperate in all areas with democratic countries. Accordingly, he proposed a number of solutions: Viet Nam created favorable conditions to attract foreign investment in all its industries; expanded ports, airports and roads for international trade and transit; participated in all international economic cooperation organizations; signed special security agreements and related treaties... During the anti-French colonialist war of resistance, Ho Chi Minh clearly stated his goodwill: “We very much welcome French capitalists and those from other countries, who cooperate honestly with us", "We will invite experts from France, the US, Russia or China, to come here to help us in the cause of national construction"⁽¹³⁾.

When discussing cooperation relationship during the national liberation struggle, President Ho Chi Minh always emphasized national strength as a decisive factor for success. He often reminded his people to "liberate themselves by their own strength", "rely on their own strength", "If you want people to help you, you must first help yourself". He asserted: "If our country is strong, then it will be "respected". If it is weak, it will only be an instrument in the hands of others including our allies"⁽¹⁴⁾. He expressed his wish to build an independent economy, dependent on available conditions and potentials to constantly improve and enhance people's living standards. However, while fighting for the national interests, President Ho Chi Minh respected the legitimate interests of other nations and peoples. He noted, "We must not do what we do not want others to do to us"⁽¹⁵⁾. Addressing the National Day of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam on September 2, 1955, President Ho Chi Minh declared: "The foreign policy of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam is clear and transparent: It is a policy of peace and good relations, respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutually benefit and peaceful coexistence”⁽¹⁶⁾. This shows that President Ho Chi Minh is different from narrow-minded and isolated nationalists. Along with maintaining independence and self-reliance, he focused on enhancing international solidarity, friendship and international cooperation between Viet Nam and its partners on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. Ho Chi Minh's thought on international integration, especially international economic cooperation, is profound in content and valuable as a reference for the process of international integration in the current globalization.

It can be seen that expanding international cooperation relations for economic construction and development has been a big and consistent thought of President Ho Chi Minh. Such perspective was formed as a result of the process of surveying domestic and international realities, correctly perceiving the laws of movement and development trends of the times. He affirmed that international cooperation for national economic construction and development is an objective and regular need of all economies. This is a reflection of the combination of the national strength with the strength of the times in the development process.

History has confirmed the correctness of Ho Chi Minh's point of view on identifying partners to expand international cooperation relations and on that the national strength is the decisive factor for success in cooperation relations. These views are of great practical values in Viet Nam's current national construction and international integration, when the country has been integrating into a globalized world. Outstanding achievements of great historical significance through 35 years of Doi Moi and comprehensive international integration once again affirms the importance of the international integration strategy in Ho Chi Minh's thought.

Raising the banner for justice: "More friends, less enemies", international solidarity

Through various stages of struggle to gain and maintain national independence, the Vietnamese revolution has always clearly identified friends and foes. Consequently, the Vietnamese revolution has won widespread sympathy and support of the progressive peoples in the world. During the resistance war against the French colonialists, President Ho Chi Minh affirmed: "Our fight is not aimed at France, nor against the honest French people, but only against the brutal domination of the French colonialism in Indochina”⁽¹⁷⁾. In the resistance war against the US, he notes: "The Vietnamese people consider the American people as their friends"⁽¹⁸⁾. Under that motto, the just struggle of the Vietnamese people received great support from the world revolutionary movement and progressive peoples, especially in Europe and America. In 1967, the American progressive people launched the "Spring" struggle which attracted millions of participants. Their "Autumn" struggle then drew the attention from 3,400,000 people from more than 100 American cities, with its peak being a 32-hour siege of the Pentagon by 200,000 Americans. The anti-war voices from street protests had an enormous impact on the authorities, demonstrating the solidarity among peace-lovers and support for our people's just struggle. With the motto of “more friends, less enemies” and international solidarity, Viet Nam has raised that banner for justice.

Today, in the new context, Viet Nam continues to be consistent with the idea of ​​having "more friends, less enemies". With an open foreign policy, the Party and State of Viet Nam attaches great importance to developing relations with all countries, territories and international organizations. Following the guideline of expanding foreign relations adopted in the 6^th Party Congress, with diplomatic achievements gained in the period of renovation and international integration, Viet Nam's steady progress has been consolidated under the motto "wants to be friends with all countries”⁽²⁰⁾ (7^th Congress), “willing to become a friend and reliable partner of all countries in the world community”⁽²¹⁾ (9^th Congress), “willing to be a friend, a reliable partner, an active and responsible member with all countries in the international community”⁽²²⁾ (11^th, 12^th, and 13^th Congress). Viet Nam's international integration process has been increasingly developed in both breadth and depth, bringing numerous positive results to the cause of national construction and defense, contributing to the cause of peace, cooperation, and development of mankind. In foreign relations, Viet Nam adheres to the motto of "cooperation and struggle" on the principle of equality and mutual benefit, in which both sides of cooperation and struggle are organically attached to each other. Cooperation is conducted in line with struggle so as to protect national interests, establish relations of equality, mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence. It is the right and flexible combination of cooperation and struggle that has helped Viet Nam gain more support from international progressive forces for the cause of national construction and defense of the Vietnamese people.

Reality has shown that President Ho Chi Minh's thought on "befriending all democratic countries without earning enmity towards any" is consistent with the current trend of international relations. These views have been thoroughly grasped and applied by the Party and State of Viet Nam in the policy and practice of foreign relations, towards the goal of creating a peaceful and stable environment in the region and in the world for the development as well as benefits of the country. Viet Nam currently has official diplomatic relations with 189/193 member countries of the United Nations, including those that were once its former enemies. In today's multi-layered, crisscrossing international relations which are featured by complicated and unpredictable developments, thoroughly grasping Ho Chi Minh's thought, Viet Nam has proactively and more comprehensively integrated in the world, thereby contributing to building strategic trust in cooperation, to the development of itself and to the common development of the international community.

It is shown in history that Ho Chi Minh's thought on international integration has brought about great effectiveness in the struggle for national independence and defense of the socialist Vietnamese Fatherland, actively contributing to the struggle for national independence, peace and progress of the world's people. Today, in the event of fundamentally changing situation, Ho Chi Minh's thought on international integration still remains valuable, having strategic significance and being deep-rooted in all foreign guidelines and policies of the Party and State of Viet Nam, creating a solid foundation for the country to comprehensively, deeply, and effective integrate into the world./.

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(1) Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works, Truth National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2011, Vol. 1, p. XVII

(2) Complete Party Documents (1940 - 1945), National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2000, Vol. 7, p. 114

(3) Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works, ibid., Vol 4, p. 3

(4) Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works, ibid., Vol 5, p. 39

(5) Vu Duong Ninh: History of Viet Nam's Foreign Relations 1940 - 2010, Truth National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2014, p. 147

(6) Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works, ibid., Vol 5, p. 256

(7) Complete Party Documents (1945 - 1947), National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2000, t. 8, p. 437

(8) Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works, ibid., Vol 12, p. 417

(9) Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works, ibid., Vol 14, p. 533

(10) Documents of the 12^th National Congress, Truth National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2016, p. 79

(11) Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works, ibid., Vol 4, p. 348

(12) Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works, ibid., Vol 15, p. 603

(13) Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works, ibid., Vol 4, p. 86

(14) Complete Party Documents (1940 - 1945), Vol. 7, p. 244

(15) Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works, ibid., Vol 4, p. 401

(16) Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works, ibid., Vol 10, p. 113 - 114

(17) Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works, ibid., Vol 4, p. 75

(18) Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works, ibid., Vol 11, p. 314

(19) Vu Duong Ninh: History of Viet Nam's Foreign Relations 1940 - 2010, Truth National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, p. 203

(20) Documents of the 7^th National Congress, Truth National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 1991, p. 147

(21) Documents of the 9^th National Congress, Truth National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2001, p. 119

(22) Documents of the 1th National Congress, Truth National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2011, p. 138 - 139

This article was published in the Communist Review No. 974 (November 2021)