Putin Strengthens Asian Alliances with New Vietnam Agreements

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed multiple agreements with Vietnamese President To Lam during his state visit to Vietnam. The deals focused on areas such as education, science and technology, oil and gas exploration, clean energy, and nuclear science and technology. While the publicly announced agreements did not pertain to defense, Lam mentioned that there were undisclosed deals in that area. Both leaders expressed their interest in developing a reliable security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region without closed military-political blocs. Putin's visit to Vietnam follows his recent trips to China and North Korea, which are seen as attempts to break Russia's international isolation. Vietnam values its relationship with Russia due to its military equipment supply and oil exploration technologies. The two countries also pledged to support security, safety, freedom of navigation and aviation, and peaceful dispute resolution in the South China Sea. Putin's visit received criticism from the US Embassy in Vietnam, which condemned giving him a platform to promote his war of aggression. Concerns have been raised about a possible arms arrangement between North Korea and Russia that could enhance the threat posed by North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile programs. However, both countries deny these accusations. It is unlikely that Vietnam would risk its progress with NATO members by supplying significant quantities of weapons to Russia. Vietnam has had diplomatic relations with Russia since 1950 and is reinforcing this relationship while diversifying with other partners. The country's pragmatic policy of "bamboo diplomacy" is being tested as it hosts visits from leaders such as Joe Biden and Xi Jinping. Putin's visit is important for Vietnam on a diplomatic level, showcasing its ability to maintain a balance in its international relations. For Russia, the visit is about optics and engaging with countries in the Global South. Vietnam remains neutral on Russia's invasion of Ukraine but needs to carefully navigate its relationship with Russia amid rising tensions between the US and Russia. Bilateral trade between Russia and Vietnam is significantly lower than trade with China and the US. Russia has been a major supplier of arms to Vietnam, but the country is working to diversify its sources. Vietnam's support for Putin during his international isolation is seen as a favor that may lead to reciprocal favors in the future.