Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s death at the age of 80 has set the stage for a leadership race during the National Party Congress in 2026. Trong, who led the party since 2011, oversaw a high-profile anticorruption drive and was honored by thousands of people across Vietnam before his funeral ceremony and burial at Mai Dich Cemetery. Top Communist Party officials, as well as international dignitaries like South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, paid tribute to Trong, who was praised by US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin for his role in deepening ties with their respective countries.
Trong’s leadership was marked by increasing authoritarianism, but he also advocated for a pragmatic foreign policy known as “bamboo diplomacy”. His death has left a void in Vietnamese politics, with a new leader set to be chosen at the upcoming party congress. The country is in a period of mourning, with flags at half-staff and entertainment and sporting events suspended during this time. Trong’s legacy as a powerful and long-serving leader in Vietnam will be remembered as the country looks towards a new era of leadership.
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