Nguyen Phu Trong, the Marxist-Leninist leader who steered Vietnam through a decade of rapid economic growth while balancing delicate diplomatic relations with both China and the U.S., has passed away at the age of 80. Trong, who had appeared increasingly frail in recent months, succumbed to old age and illness, the ruling Communist Party announced on Friday. His death marks the end of an era in Vietnamese politics.
Trong ascended to the role of general secretary of the Communist Party in 2011, a position that endowed him with substantial power in the one-party state. His tenure was characterized by a pragmatic approach to foreign policy, famously described as "bamboo diplomacy," which sought to foster "more friends, fewer foes" by being flexible yet resilient. This approach was evident in his efforts to elevate Vietnam's ties with major global powers.
His diplomatic finesse was showcased last September when President Joe Biden visited Hanoi, culminating in Vietnam elevating its relationship with the U.S. to its highest diplomatic status. This move was soon followed by a visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping, further solidifying ties with Vietnam's influential neighbor despite ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
Born in 1944 in the suburbs of Hanoi, Trong was drawn to folk literature from a young age, eventually majoring in philology at university. His early works included a 1967 review of folk poetry. His academic pursuits took him to the Soviet Union, where he earned a PhD in political science. He became a member of the Communist Party at 22 and rose through the ranks, becoming editor-in-chief of the party's Communist Review magazine in 1991.
Trong's leadership was marked by a stringent anti-corruption campaign, dubbed the "blazing furnace," which led to the arrests and forced resignations of numerous senior officials. While this crackdown earned him praise for tackling graft, it also drew criticism for being politically motivated and for muzzling dissent. Rights groups condemned the intensified suppression of activists, journalists, and social media users under his watch.
Despite the controversies, Vietnam flourished economically during Trong's rule. The "Doi Moi" reforms initiated in 1986 transformed the nation from a war-torn agrarian society into one of Asia's fastest-growing economies. Over the past decade, Vietnam's annual GDP growth averaged 5.8%, maintaining decent growth even during the global economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Trong's tenure also saw significant diplomatic achievements. Beyond strengthening ties with the U.S. and China, Vietnam hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin in June and elevated Japan to its highest diplomatic status last year. These moves reflected Trong's strategy of balancing relationships with global powers to Vietnam's advantage.
However, his anti-corruption campaign had unintended consequences. In late 2022, Vietnam was rocked by its largest financial fraud case, leading to a run on deposits at a major bank and necessitating a costly central bank intervention. The campaign also led to the dismissal of two Vietnamese presidents in quick succession, unsettling foreign investors and raising concerns about political stability.
Trong's death leaves a significant void in Vietnamese politics. President To Lam has been appointed as the caretaker leader. Lam, who spearheaded the anti-corruption drive as the country's top security official, is viewed as a potential successor. Yet, his appointment comes at a time of uncertainty, with experts predicting a period of instability as Vietnam navigates this leadership transition.
Trong's passing was not unexpected; rumors about his health had circulated since his hospitalization in 2019. His appearances in recent public events, including a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, were marked by visible frailty. Despite his declining health, Trong secured an unprecedented third term as party chief in 2021, demonstrating his enduring influence.
Nguyen Phu Trong leaves behind a mixed legacy. While he is credited with steering Vietnam to new economic heights and elevating its global standing, his tenure also witnessed significant political repression and institutional erosion. As Vietnam enters this new chapter, the country's leadership faces the challenge of maintaining stability and continuing its growth trajectory in the absence of its long-serving leader.
Trong is survived by his wife and two children, who have remained largely out of the public eye. His modest lifestyle and avoidance of ostentatious displays of wealth stood in stark contrast to many of his peers, reflecting his personal commitment to the ideals he espoused.
