Vietnam’s Delicate Balancing Act: Navigating the Ukraine War’s geopolitical Minefield
Vietnam finds itself in a complex geopolitical dance, skillfully navigating the turbulent waters of the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The nation’s strategic alliances and historical ties create a delicate balancing act between its burgeoning relationship with the United States and its long-standing connections with Russia.
high-level meetings underscore this intricate relationship.Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy twice in 2023 and 2024,at the G7 summit and the World Economic Forum respectively. Further solidifying this engagement, Vietnamese President and Communist Party General Secretary To Lam also met with Zelenskyy, alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, during a US trip in September.
Vietnam’s position in Southeast Asia adds another layer of complexity.A key US ally in the region, particularly regarding security cooperation against China’s growing influence, Vietnam also maintains historical ties with Moscow dating back to the Vietnam War. This historical context significantly influences Vietnam’s current foreign policy decisions.
While Washington expressed some frustration over Hanoi’s abstentions from UN votes on Ukraine, the US recognized the importance of the bilateral relationship. President biden’s state visit to Vietnam in September 2023 culminated in the declaration of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The White House stated this partnership aims to reinforce the “strength and dynamism of the US-Vietnam relationship as both countries work together to achieve our shared goals of peace, prosperity and sustainable progress.”
To Lam’s subsequent attendance at the UN General Assembly in New York further highlighted Vietnam’s commitment to international diplomacy. Despite largely cooperating with sanctions against russia, reports suggest discussions between Russia and Vietnam regarding the resumption of their arms trade, halted after the war began. While this issue was reportedly discussed during Putin’s state visit, no policy shifts threatening Western sanctions have been announced.
Vietnam’s energy sector, heavily reliant on Russian companies, presents a significant challenge. This economic interdependence necessitates a careful balancing act, particularly given Vietnam’s wariness of Russia’s close ties with China. Maintaining strong relations with Washington remains crucial for hanoi.
The potential impact of a shift in US policy under a new administration remains uncertain.However, Vietnam’s flexible “bamboo diplomacy” has allowed it to navigate this precarious situation with remarkable dexterity throughout the three-year conflict.
By Thi Kim Quy Hoang, The Jakarta Post, Asia News Network
