Transitivity in Diplomatic Discourse: A Study of the Vietnam - China Joint Statements

Abstract

The study is conducted within the theoretical framework of M. A. K. Halliday’s Systemic Functional Grammar to analyze the experiential metafunction, specifically the transitivity system, in diplomatic discourse as manifested in Joint Statements between Vietnam and China from 2005 to 2025. The findings indicate that material and mental processes occur with high frequency, reflecting a tendency in diplomatic discourse to prioritize concrete cooperative activities as well as the political perceptions of both sides. In addition, circumstantial elements of manner are predominant, whereas circumstantial elements of condition and role do not appear. This suggests that the Joint Statements are constructed to emphasize the modes of implementing bilateral cooperation while maintaining neutrality and objectivity in diplomatic communication.