Russian President Vladimir Putin’s arrival in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi has sparked a flurry of diplomatic activity and controversy. The visit, following a lavish trip to North Korea, is seen as a demonstration of the enduring support Russia enjoys in the region.
However, the United States has criticized the visit, accusing President Putin of using it to promote his war of aggression in Ukraine. Despite this, Vietnam continues to value its historic ties with Russia while also working to improve relations with Europe and the US.
The relationship between Vietnam and Russia dates back decades, with the Soviet Union providing vital military, economic, and diplomatic support to North Vietnam in the 1950s. This support has been described by Vietnam as “filled with loyalty and gratitude.”
While Vietnam’s economy has evolved through global integration, it still relies on Russian-made military equipment and partnerships with Russian oil companies for oil exploration in the South China Sea. The country has managed to navigate the diplomatic challenges posed by the invasion of Ukraine by abstaining from UN resolutions condemning Russia’s actions while maintaining good relations with Ukraine.
Vietnam’s foreign policy principles of maintaining friendships with all nations without forming formal alliances, known as ‘bamboo diplomacy,’ have allowed it to balance relationships with major powers like the US, China, and Russia. The country’s willingness to upgrade relations with the US, despite historical conflicts, demonstrates its pragmatic approach to international affairs.
Public sentiment in Vietnam regarding the war in Ukraine is mixed, with some admiration for Putin as a strong leader who defies the West. Similar sentiments are found in other Asian countries, where the Ukraine conflict is viewed as a distant issue.
As Vietnam looks towards the future, questions remain about the longevity of its relationship with Putin’s Russia. The country is already seeking alternative sources of military equipment, but ending its dependence on Russia will be a gradual process. Internal rivalries within the communist party could also impact the country’s direction in the coming years.
Despite these challenges, Vietnam remains committed to its foreign policy of being friends to all and enemies to none. The country’s ability to navigate complex international relationships while maintaining its independence will continue to shape its diplomatic engagements in the years to come.
