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Snapshot 9:Fri, Oct 24, 2025 2:53:21 PM GMT last edited by Nick

South Africa, Vietnam Upgrade to Strategic Partnership

South Africa, Vietnam Upgrade to Strategic Partnership

South Africa, Vietnam Upgrade to Strategic Partnership
Above: South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa (L) and Vietnam's President Luong Cuong (R) shake hands during a meeting at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam on Oct. 23, 2025 Image copyright: NHAC NGUYEN/AFP/Getty Image

The Spin

South Africa's strategic partnership with Vietnam represents a brilliant pivot toward Southeast Asia's economic powerhouse, unlocking massive opportunities in a $1.79 billion trade relationship. Vietnam's 100 million consumers and fast-growing economy offer South African businesses fresh markets in agriculture, automotive and renewable energy. This partnership perfectly positions South Africa within the Asia-Pacific growth arc that drives over half of global GDP growth.

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President Ramaphosa's visit to Hanoi shows Vietnam's steady rise as a diplomatic and strategic force in Asia. By deepening ties with South Africa, Hanoi strengthens its bridge between ASEAN and the Global South while maintaining its non-aligned stance. Vietnam expands its influence through partnerships and balance, asserting its maritime sovereignty while avoiding formal alliances. This quiet strategy lets the country shape regional affairs and global dialogue on its own terms.

Metaculus Prediction

There is a 1% chance that Vietnam will experience a civil war before 2036, according to the Metaculus prediction community.



© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.17.0

© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.17.0