The recent novel coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) has negatively affected the economies of ASEAN member states, including Vietnam, with the country’s current ASEAN Chairmanship role considered as an example of the theme “For a cohesive and responsive ASEAN” during the ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2020.

Asiatoday, one of the major newspapers in the Republic of Korea

This year has seen the country assume the dual role of being both the Chairman of ASEAN and a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020 to 2021 term.

The nation is hopeful of creating a common consensus throughout the bloc regarding several regional and international issues, whilst simultaneously enhancing ASEAN's role and voice within the international arena.

Asiatoday, one of the largest newspapers in the Republic of Korea, recently published an article stating their appreciation for the country’s role in promoting development and solidarity among ASEAN, especially in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic globally. 

The article states, “ASEAN countries will work together to prioritize the response to the new coronavirus infections. With Vietnam leading ASEAN’s joint response as a chairman, a special diplomatic meeting between China and ASEAN was held in Vientiane, Laos, to respond to the outbreak. With the COVID-19 spreading around the world, Vietnam is strengthening its role as chair of ASEAN.”

The ASEAN Economic Ministers issue a joint statement on strengthening
the ASEAN's economic resilience in response to the outbreak of Covid-19
at the 26th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat in the central city of
Da Nang

The recent COVID-19 outbreak has served to have a detrimental effect on the economies of all ASEAN countries, including Vietnam. In order to boost the region’s economic strength a joint effort involving increased co-operation is required within the bloc.

Based on the nation’s proposal, a consultation meeting between the United Nations Security Council and ASEAN was held to mark 52 years since the establishment of ASEAN. At the end of January 2020, ASEAN Secretary General Lim Jock Hoi attended a meeting of the UN Security Council in order to discuss options for consultations moving forward. This saw a number of ASEAN member states express an interest in striving to raise the bloc’s stature within the international community.

With the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership set to be signed in Vietnam this year, the Code of Conduct in the East Sea is also expected to yield substantial results during the country’s time in charge of the ASEAN chairmanship.

The Asiatoday article cited the evaluation of Choi Sing Kwok, Director of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (Singapore), on the nation’s capability in leading the charge in boosting ASEAN’s international profile.

In performing as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, the country has the opportunity to showcase its leadership credentials globally whilst also fighting for greater benefits for ASEAN. Indeed, ASEAN's stance and central role will be demonstrated in the international arena, according to Kwok.

Since becoming a part of ASEAN in July 1995, Vietnam has maintained its role as a proactive and responsible member, making several important contributions to the development of the organisation. During its term as the ASEAN Chair 2010, the country left a positive impression, including regarding the proposal of a series of initiatives which have been implemented.

This include improvements relating to the mechanism of the Defence Ministers Meeting Plus, setting up the ASEAN Committee on the Promotion and Protection of Women's and Children's Rights, whilst simultaneously reaching a consensus on a decision to expand the East Asia Summit, in addition to allowing Russia and the United States to join.

During its term as the Chairman of ASEAN and as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, the nation is set to face numerous difficulties and challenges as a result of the ever-changing regional and international situation, especially from the threat posed by the current global COVID-19 pandemic.

However, with its renewal policy in place along with deeper international integration with huge strides being made in terms of both economy and politics, Vietnam is fast emerging as a growing economy and trustworthy partner in ASEAN that is fully capable, confident, and experienced enough to successfully implement its mandate as ASEAN Chair 2020 and as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. 

This affirms the country’s position, prestige, and strategic leadership capacity which will allow ASEAN to further grow and affirm its place in the centre of a regional bloc that deals with regional and international issues.