The United Nations' decision to select Vietnam as the host of the signing ceremony of the UN Convention against Cybercrime reflects the trust and recognition of the international community in the nation's active and constructive role in global affairs. It also signals Vietnam’s transformation from a country that primarily participates in international mechanisms to one that contributes ideas, initiatives, and leadership to shape them.
From the “bamboo diplomacy” to the soft power of trust
According to Dr. Tran Hai Linh, Member of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and Chairman of the Vietnam - Korea Business and Investment Association (VKBIA), the Hanoi Convention “demonstrates Vietnam’s diplomatic resilience and deep integration capacity as the country becomes a reliable bridge of dialogue and trust in global cyber governance.”
In a world divided by different views on cybersecurity, digital sovereignty, and data privacy, Vietnam has distinguished itself as a consensus - builder and honest broker that can bridge gaps between developed and developing countries and reconcile diverse interests.
Through its “Bamboo Diplomacy” philosophy - deeply rooted, flexible, and resilient, Vietnam has shown an ability to lead through trust. Instead of confrontation or imposition, the country fosters dialogue, cooperation, and shared responsibility under the principle that cybersecurity is a common good of humankind.
As the host and co - chair of multiple key negotiation sessions, Vietnam has contributed to shaping a new model of multilateral dialogue - one that is respectful, pragmatic, and based on mutual benefit. Such an approach is essential in today’s interconnected digital world, where transnational cyber threats transcend traditional borders.
The Hanoi Convention - a symbol of cooperation and global responsibility
The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Hanoi Convention by consensus in December 2024 (New York time). The decision to open it for signature in Vietnam in 2025 effectively turns Hanoi into the “Capital of Digital Dialogue” and underscores Vietnam’s growing role in shaping the global legal framework for cyberspace.
According to Dr. Tran Hai Linh, the Hanoi Convention carries three major implications:
First, it reaffirms Vietnam’s standing in multilateral diplomacy, demonstrating that the country is not only an implementer but also a creator of international policy frameworks.
Second, it opens up opportunities for international legal cooperation in combating high - tech crimes, protecting personal data, and addressing cross - border digital challenges.
Third, it embodies a spirit of global responsibility, with the name “Hanoi” symbolizing the country’s commitment to building a safe, transparent, and sustainable digital future.
The event also aligns with Vietnam’s foreign policy vision of being “self-reliant, proactive, positive, and deeply integrated into the global community.” It underscores Vietnam’s commitment to building a fair and human - centered digital order.
Balancing power in a time of global geopolitical competition
The fact that Vietnam hosts the signing ceremony of the Hanoi Convention, in the context of intensifying competition for influence among major powers, reflects its consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, multilateralization and diversification, in combination with comprehensive and effective international integration.
Vietnam does not align with any particular bloc or power. Instead, it prioritizes a safer and more trustworthy cyberspace for the common benefits of the international community.
Throughout the negotiation process, Vietnam’s calm, consistent, and flexible diplomacy helped maintain open and constructive dialogue, thus preventing the Convention from becoming a tool of political competition.
By skillfully applying the philosophy of “Bamboo Diplomacy”- strong roots, flexible stance, far - reaching branches - Vietnam has successfully protected its national interests while contributing to global security.
This balanced and credible approach has positioned Vietnam as a “center of trust” - a country where diverse partners can meet, discuss, and seek common ground on sensitive global issues such as cybersecurity.
The Hanoi Convention - a lesson for multilateral cooperation in the digital age
The successful negotiation of the Hanoi Convention serves as a model for inclusive and equal multilateral dialogue. Beyond establishing a legal framework for investigation, extradition, and information - sharing in cybercrime cases, the Convention also emphasizes human rights, data privacy, and digital sovereignty - the basic principles of a transparent and humane digital order.
Regarding the Asia - Pacific region, where digital transformation is accelerating but cyber risks are also rising, the Hanoi Convention provides a crucial platform for legal and technical coordination, strengthening regional trust and resilience.
Moreover, the consensus achieved during the negotiations offers valuable lessons for other global initiatives: only through equal dialogue, mutual respect, and shared benefit can nations with different systems and values reach genuine unity.
Vietnam’s role as a convener and consensus - builder demonstrates that even a developing nation can help bridge the divide between big powers and smaller countries, fostering cooperation instead of confrontation.
From signing to action: Vietnam’s next steps after the Hanoi Convention
To maintain its leadership and sustain influence in the post-signing phase, Vietnam must move quickly from symbolic commitment to substantive implementation. Dr. Tran Hai Linh proposes seven strategic directions for Vietnam to turn the Convention into reality:
1. Develop a comprehensive national legal framework aligned with the Convention, clarifying responsibilities among ministries, local authorities, and businesses.
2. Strengthen enforcement capacity, including specialized training for investigators, prosecutors, and judges on cybercrime; establish and fund national and local Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs).
3. Promote public - private partnerships (PPP) by organizing regular dialogues between government, businesses, academia, and society to share early warnings and coordinate responses.
4. Establish a Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Hanoi, potentially linked with partners in South Korea, Japan, the EU, or ASEAN+, serving as a regional hub for research, training, and cooperation.
5. Expand bilateral and regional technical cooperation programs with advanced partners such as South Korea, the United States, Japan, and the EU.
6. Support SMEs and critical infrastructure sectors (energy, healthcare, finance) through technical assistance, training, and risk - assessment programs.
7. Ensure transparency and accountability by developing measurable indicators to monitor progress - such as international cooperation cases, response times, and CERT capacity - and publishing regular reports to enhance global trust.
Alongside these steps, Vietnam should strengthen strategic communication and digital diplomacy, hosting international conferences, publishing cooperation initiatives, and maintaining momentum to assert its role as a “trust-based leader.”
A new position in the global digital landscape
Ultimately, the Hanoi Convention is not merely a legal document - it is a symbol of Vietnam’s evolving global identity in the digital era. From being a “player” in international mechanisms, Vietnam has become a “rule-maker”, helping shape a more just, secure, and sustainable digital future.
In an age where data and technology are strategic resources, the Convention reaffirms Vietnam’s commitment to being a confident, proactive, and responsible global actor - ready to work with the world for a safer, more human - centered, and prosperous digital future.
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