19, July 2024 HO CHI MINH CITY — Nguyen Phu Trong, the Vietnam Communist Party (VCP) chief, died on Friday at age 80. He had strong ties with the U.S., kept China happy, and cracked down on corruption. The government said he died from old age and illness.
Trong’s medical team said he died in the early afternoon. On Thursday, President To Lam took over Trong’s duties temporarily for his treatment.
Trong had been party chief since 2011. His death brings political uncertainty to Hanoi as they wait for a successor.
Trong maintained good relations with China while improving ties with the U.S. He was the only VCP general-secretary to visit the White House in 2015. The U.S. views Vietnam as a key partner.
Trong’s legacy includes a strong anti-corruption campaign. However, there is criticism for the lack of a clear succession plan. Born in 1944, he joined the workers party during the Vietnam War and studied in Russia. He held various roles before becoming general-secretary in 2011.
Trong and China’s Xi Jinping both won third terms and launched anti-corruption campaigns. Trong outmaneuvered his rival, Nguyen Tan Dung, to secure his second term. Trong’s focus was on preventing moral decay among party members.
Vietnam is lobbying Washington to recognize it as a market economy. Trong’s anti-corruption campaign targeted top officials and tycoons, leading to many firings and imprisonments. Critics say the campaign lacked transparency.
Despite concerns, global companies are expanding in Vietnam, making it a hub for textiles and tech products. Vietnam balances relations with Russia, the U.S., and China.
Trong emphasized consensus and wrote books on socialism and fighting corruption. Vietnam grew in regional stature under his leadership. The next leader must address overregulation, limited private-sector growth, and social issues.
This transition may bring a new era, as few leaders can match Trong’s record. David Brown, a former U.S. diplomat in Vietnam, called this the “end of an era.”