Kuala Lumpur, Nov. 14 -- Vietnam is playing an increasingly important diplomatic role in maintaining regional stability and strategic balance amid intensifying geopolitical competition, while helping ASEAN preserve its autonomy and central role in regional affairs, according to Collins Chong Yew Keat, a foreign policy, security and strategic affairs analyst at the University of Malaya.

Talking to the Vietnam News Agency ahead of the 49th ASEAN Summit in Manila, the Philippines, Chong highlighted Vietnam's strategic diplomatic approach, saying it not only protects the country's national interests but also helps ease geopolitical competition pressures across the region.

Assessing Vietnam's foreign policy at regional and international foru...