Hanoi, Vietnam – Russian President Vladimir Putin’s arrival in Hanoi marks the second stop of his East Asian tour, drawing criticism from the United States for providing a platform for his actions in Ukraine. Despite this, Vietnam cherishes its historic ties with Russia while aiming to strengthen relationships with Europe and the US.
In Hanoi’s political quarter, a towering statue of Lenin symbolizes the deep-rooted connection between Vietnam and Russia dating back to the Soviet Union’s support of North Vietnam in the 1950s. Vietnam describes its bond with Russia as one of loyalty and gratitude, forged through decades of military, economic, and diplomatic collaboration.
Despite Vietnam’s economic shift towards global markets, it remains reliant on Russian-made military equipment and partnerships with Russian oil companies for oil exploration in the South China Sea. The country has adeptly navigated challenges such as the invasion of Ukraine, abstaining from UN resolutions while maintaining positive ties with both Ukraine and Russia.
Vietnam’s foreign policy stance of “bamboo diplomacy” emphasizes non-alignment with formal alliances, allowing flexibility in relations with nations like the US, Russia, and China. The country’s strategic balancing act seeks to leverage economic opportunities while avoiding entanglement in great power rivalries.
While the US has expressed concerns over Putin’s visit to Vietnam, public sentiment within the country reflects a mixed view of the Ukraine conflict. Admiration for Putin as a strong leader who challenges the West coexists with skepticism towards Western claims of upholding international law.
Similar sentiments are observed in other Asian nations, where the Ukraine conflict is viewed as a distant crisis. In Thailand, historical ties with Russia, along with diverging public opinions on Western intervention, shape the country’s nuanced stance on global affairs.
Vietnam’s evolving relationship with Russia faces uncertainties amid internal political dynamics and the gradual shift towards alternative sources of military equipment. As the country navigates leadership transitions and strategic choices, the commitment to maintaining cordial relations with all nations remains a key tenet of its foreign policy vision.