Vietnam party chief Lam seeks dual role in shift toward China-style power model

Vietnam’s Communist Party chief To Lam is seeking to combine his top party post with the state presidency, a move that would significantly alter the country’s long-standing power-sharing arrangement and bring it closer to China’s political model.

Vietnam’s Communist Party chief To Lam is seeking to combine his top party post with the state presidency, a move that would significantly alter the country’s long-standing power-sharing arrangement and bring it closer to China’s political model. If approved, Lam would mirror China’s system, where President Xi Jinping simultaneously leads both the party and the state.

The issue will be decided at Vietnam’s Communist Party congress, which opens next week in Hanoi and brings together around 1,600 delegates. Held every five years, the congress determines leadership appointments and policy direction for the single-party state. Lam, 68, sought initial approval for holding both positions at a party meeting in December, according to multiple officials and people briefed on the discussions.

While sources said the meeting backed Lam remaining party chief, accounts differed over whether he secured support to also become president, a role that is largely ceremonial but currently held by the military. The final decision will rest with the congress delegates, who will be elected during the gathering.

A Break from Vietnam’s Power-Sharing Tradition
Combining the roles of party chief and president would mark a major departure from Vietnam’s traditional collective leadership system, under which power is divided among top offices to prevent dominance by a single figure. Historically, the two positions have only been merged briefly during exceptional periods, such as after the death of an incumbent. Lam himself held both roles for about three months in 2024 under such circumstances.

Supporters argue the change would streamline governance and align Vietnam with other communist states, including China, North Korea, Cuba and Laos, where a single leader holds both titles. They say it would strengthen Lam’s authority to push economic reforms and enhance his stature in dealings with foreign leaders.

Military Concerns and Behind-the-Scenes Negotiations
The bid has implications for the military, which would relinquish the presidency if Lam succeeds. In exchange, military leaders are reportedly seeking assurances that they will retain broad autonomy over the promotion of senior officers. One official said talks were underway to establish “safeguards” limiting Lam’s authority, underscoring unease within powerful party factions.

Signs of compromise may already be emerging. Several contentious economic initiatives pursued during Lam’s first term have recently been revised or slowed ahead of the congress, including policies related to credit growth and a high-speed railway project. These moves are seen by some observers as efforts to ease resistance and build consensus.

Leadership Selection and Political Stakes
Beginning January 19, the congress will elect 200 members of the new central committee, with many newcomers expected. This raises uncertainty over whether the new body will fully endorse decisions taken by the roughly 140 delegates who voted in December. The central committee will then choose the party chief and the politburo, which is expected to have 17 to 19 members.

The politburo will nominate the president, prime minister and parliamentary speaker, appointments that must later be confirmed by lawmakers. While Lam has already consolidated influence and effectively assumed some presidential functions through frequent overseas trips, the formal merger of roles would institutionalise his expanded authority for the next five years.

Personal Analysis
Lam’s bid reflects a broader trend in Vietnam toward centralisation at a time of economic uncertainty and geopolitical competition. Aligning leadership structures more closely with China may offer short-term decisiveness and clearer lines of authority, particularly in foreign policy and reform implementation. However, it also challenges Vietnam’s carefully balanced system designed to prevent overconcentration of power.

The resistance from the military and scepticism within parts of the party suggest that consensus is far from guaranteed. Even if Lam secures both roles, his authority is likely to be constrained by negotiated limits and internal checks. The outcome of this congress will therefore not only determine Lam’s personal power but also signal whether Vietnam is willing to trade collective leadership for a more personalised, China-style model of governance.

By Sana Khan  – Moderndiplomacy.eu with Reuters Agency – January 12, 2026