US Aircraft Carrier Visits Vietnam Amid Rising Tensions in South China Sea: Upgrade in US-Vietnam Relations

USS Ronald Reagan Makes Rare Stop in Vietnam Amid Rising Tensions in South China Sea

June 23, 2023 – In a move that highlights Washington’s efforts to upgrade formal ties with Hanoi, the US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan will make a rare stop in Vietnam on June 25. The central port city of Da Nang will host the aircraft carrier, as tensions continue to rise in the South China Sea.

The visit comes against the backdrop of ongoing disputes between Vietnam and Beijing over the border issue in the South China Sea. Vietnam has expressed concerns over the presence of Chinese vessels in its exclusive economic zone, including the month-long operation of the Chinese scientific research ship “Xiangyanghong 10”. Chinese coast guard ships have also been sailing into energy exploration blocks in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone.

In May, Vietnam issued a rare warning to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), urging them to withdraw their vessels and respect Vietnam’s sovereignty and jurisdiction. However, the CCP has claimed sovereignty over almost the entire waters of the South China Sea.

To strengthen its position, Vietnam has been seeking alliances with other countries in the region. On June 23, Vietnamese President Vu Van Thang met with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yue in Hanoi. The two leaders reached a cooperation agreement, focusing on security cooperation in response to North Korea’s nuclear threat. They also pledged to increase bilateral trade and investment, signing 17 cooperation documents.

Meanwhile, Singapore, which has traditionally maintained friendly relations with China, is also making strategic moves. The country has been affected by the economic recovery of mainland China after the pandemic, which has not met expectations. Additionally, the ongoing rivalry between the United States and China has prompted Singapore to “de-risk” its investments.

According to the British “Financial Times,” GIC, one of Singapore’s largest sovereign funds in Asia, plans to increase its investment in the United States. The focus will be on venture capital funds and technology companies, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence. The United States is considered the main battlefield for the development of AI and future technology.

Industry insiders have revealed that GIC has conveyed its intention to increase investment to American private equity and venture capital executives. In the coming years, GIC is expected to conclude a total of 63 transactions related to US companies, compared to only 18 transactions with mainland China during the same period.

The rare visit of the USS Ronald Reagan to Vietnam and the strengthening of ties between Vietnam and South Korea reflect the growing concerns over the escalating tensions in the South China Sea. As countries in the region seek to secure their interests, alliances and strategic investments are becoming crucial in navigating the complex geopolitical landscape.

Responsible editor: Zhang Lili

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How does the visit of the USS Ronald Reagan to Vietnam strengthen the defense cooperation between the two countries and contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the region

Nt Moon Jae-in to discuss bilateral cooperation and the situation in the South China Sea. The USS Ronald Reagan’s visit to Vietnam is seen as a gesture of support and solidarity with Vietnam in the face of Chinese aggression.

The USS Ronald Reagan is one of the US Navy’s most powerful and advanced aircraft carriers. Its presence in Vietnam sends a strong message to China that the United States stands with its allies in the region and is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea.

The visit also signifies the growing strategic importance of Vietnam in the eyes of the United States. Vietnam has emerged as a key player in the region, both economically and strategically. It has a rapidly growing economy and is a major trading partner for many countries. Its proximity to the South China Sea also makes it a crucial location for military operations and regional security.

In recent years, Vietnam has been modernizing its military and improving its defense capabilities. It has also been expanding its partnerships and alliances with countries like the United States, Japan, and India. These efforts are aimed at countering China’s assertiveness in the region and protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The visit of the USS Ronald Reagan to Vietnam is expected to further strengthen the defense cooperation between the two countries. It will provide an opportunity for both sides to exchange knowledge and expertise in areas such as maritime security, joint exercises, and disaster response. The United States has been providing military assistance to Vietnam, including training and equipment, to enhance its defense capabilities.

The visit also comes at a time when tensions in the South China Sea are escalating. China’s aggressive actions, including its militarization of disputed islands and its claims of sovereignty over the entire region, have raised concerns among neighboring countries and the international community. The United States has repeatedly called for a peaceful resolution to the disputes and for all parties to respect international law and freedom of navigation in the region.

Overall, the USS Ronald Reagan’s rare stop in Vietnam is a significant move that underscores the growing strategic partnership between the two countries and sends a strong message to China. It highlights the United States’ commitment to its allies and its determination to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea amidst rising tensions.