Vietnam's long-serving Communist Party general secretary, Nguyen Phu Trong, passed away on Friday. President To Lam, known for leading an anticorruption campaign, is temporarily assuming the general secretary's duties. Whether he will permanently take on this role will be decided by the Politburo, with the next congress in 2026 being a crucial factor in selecting the country's top leaders. Analysts believe that Mr. Lam is a strong contender but may face opposition due to factional differences within the party. The death of Mr. Trong is not expected to bring about changes in Vietnam's foreign policy or trade relations, with the country continuing to maintain a balance between the United States, China, and Russia. Vietnam operates under a collective leadership of four individuals, with the general secretary traditionally holding the most power. Mr. Lam, a former minister of public security, spearheaded an anticorruption campaign, reshaping the Politburo and local politics. However, some are wary of his potential ascent to an even more influential position, given his control over the security apparatus. Mr. Lam's controversial past includes accusations of involvement in a high-profile kidnapping and public criticism for dining on a lavish meal during a national lockdown. Despite controversies, Mr. Lam has been praised for his contributions to the Vietnamese revolution and his dedication to the Communist Party's ideology. His confirmation as the acting general secretary and potential long-term leadership role remain uncertain, pending decisions by the Politburo.