Influences of Cambodia Issues on Diplomatic Relations Between Vietnam and ASEAN (1975-1979)

Influences of Cambodia Issues on Diplomatic Relations Between Vietnam and ASEAN (1975-1979)

Since 1975, after gaining independence, and establishing the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the foreign relations between Vietnam and ASEAN were formed and gradually developed. In 1976, Vietnam announced 4-point policy with ASEAN, creating the foundation to promote full normalization with ASEAN. Until 1978, Vietnam and ASEAN had discussed economic cooperation and political security issues such as the possibility of signing a non-aggression pact. However, when the issue of hostilities at the Southwestern border with Vietnam occurred, and the soldiers and Vietnamese of the Southwestern border provinces were forced to fight against the Khmer Rouge, the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and ASEAN were negatively affected. During the period 1975-1979, the Cambodia issue deeply influenced Vietnam - ASEAN relations. Using historical and logical methods, the authors recreated Vietnam’s foreign efforts to find peaceful and secure solutions for issues in Southeast Asia. Therefore, it is necessary to research Vietnam - ASEAN relations (1975-1979), to better understand the history of diplomacy in Southeast Asia, and create lessons for the practice of diplomatic relations in Southeast Asia today.