Over the past nine months, major world leaders have flocked to Vietnam, showcasing the country’s diplomatic prowess. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin was the latest to visit, and his trip was seen as a foreign policy success. During his stay in Hanoi, Putin signed eleven cooperation agreements with Vietnamese counterpart To Lam, including plans for a research center for nuclear science and technology.
Despite some concerns from American embassy officials about promoting aggression through Putin’s visit, the overall impact on US-Vietnamese relations is expected to be minimal. Vietnam plays a critical role in America’s Indo-Pacific strategy as a counterweight to China. In response to Putin’s visit, the head of the East Asia department of the American State Department is scheduled to visit Hanoi.
Vietnam’s foreign policy strategy is known as “bamboo diplomacy,” which involves maintaining good relations with all countries while avoiding taking sides. This approach has been evident in Vietnam’s hosting of state visits from major powers like America, China, and Russia, demonstrating its diplomatic flexibility and ability to leverage relationships for its own interests.
Hanoi has taken a cautious stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine while also considering its historical, military, and economic ties with Moscow. Despite diversifying its military imports in recent years, Vietnam still relies on Russian weapons and has significant partnerships in energy production with Russia in the South China Sea.
As China and Russia draw closer together, Vietnam remains cautious about the potential impact on its relationship with Moscow. However, Hanoi’s strategic positioning in the geopolitical power game between America, China
