Saturday Mornings: Vietnam’s Bamboo Diplomacy: Ted Osius on Vietnam's Strategy, Alliances & Supply Chains in 2026 and Beyond

Saturday Mornings Show” host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys welcome Ted Osius, former U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, to discuss Vietnam’s evolving role in a region defined by great‑power competition and economic realignment. At the heart of the conversation is Vietnam’s signature “bamboo diplomacy”—firm in principle yet flexible in tactics—as it navigates ties with the U.S., China, Russia, and ASEAN partners while maintaining neutrality and strategic autonomy. Ted explores how Vietnam is strengthening alliances, particularly with Singapore, which recently elevated ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. With Singapore investing over $10 billion in Vietnam last year, cooperation now spans digital connectivity, green development, and industrial parks. The discussion also highlights Vietnam’s geoeconomic strategy and supply chain realignment. As global companies diversify away from China, Vietnam is positioning itself as a hub for high‑tech manufacturing and digital economy investment, leveraging stable governance, industrious talent, and urban innovation. Its pragmatic policies and aspiration to be among the world’s top 20 economies by 2045 underscore its rise as a middle power.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.