HANOI, Vietnam

— Thousands of mourners gathered in Hanoi on Friday to pay their respects to Nguyen Phu Trong, the influential Communist Party general secretary who passed away at the age of 80. His death has triggered a succession struggle within the party, which is expected to intensify as Vietnam approaches its National Party Congress in 2026. Notable attendees at the funeral included South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Chinese Communist Party leader Wang Huning, and former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, highlighting Trong's significant impact on international relations. U.S. President Joe Biden praised Trong as a "champion of the deep ties" between the United States and Vietnam, while Russian President Vladimir Putin remembered him as a "true friend" who contributed to strengthening Russia-Vietnam relations. Trong was known for his pragmatic foreign policy approach, termed "bamboo diplomacy," which emphasized flexibility in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes. Experts suggest that Vietnam is likely to continue this strategy, balancing relations with China while fostering ties with other nations, including the U.S., Japan, and India. Throughout his tenure, Trong was a staunch advocate against corruption, launching a significant anti-corruption campaign known as the "blazing furnace." This initiative led to the disciplinary actions against thousands of party officials, including high-ranking leaders, marking a stark contrast to the previous three decades. As the party navigates the future without Trong, the direction of the anti-corruption movement remains uncertain. Analysts predict that while the campaign may continue in the short term, it could eventually wane as it was closely tied to Trong's legacy and vision for the party.