In the past nine months, three major world leaders – American, Chinese and Russian presidents – have visited Vietnam. The country’s adeptness at playing major powers against each other was showcased during these visits. Despite criticism from the American embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam’s strategic importance as a counterweight to China in America’s Indo-Pacific strategy remains crucial.
Vietnam’s foreign policy strategy, known as “bamboo diplomacy,” emphasizes maintaining good relations with all countries without taking sides. This flexibility was evident in Vietnam’s hosting of top leaders from the US, China, and Russia within a short period. The country’s historical ties to Russia, including military support during conflicts with colonial powers, have influenced its neutral stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
While Vietnam has diversified its military equipment imports in recent years, Russia remains a key partner in areas such as energy production in the South China Sea. Concerns about a potential China-Russia alignment at Vietnam’s expense have been noted, but so far, Russia’s relationship with Vietnam has remained strong. As Vietnam navigates the complex geopolitical dynamics between America, China, and Russia, its approach to foreign policy continues to prioritize flexibility and neutrality.
In recent years, Vietnam has been working closely with Russia to develop its nuclear power industry. This cooperation has raised concerns among some critics who fear that it could lead to a closer alignment between the two countries.
Despite this concern, experts believe that Vietnam will continue to maintain its neutral stance on geopolitical issues involving major powers like America and China.
“Vietnam is aware of the risks associated with any closer alignment with major powers,” said one analyst based in Hanoi.
“The country is focused on maintaining good relations with all countries while staying independent,” he added.
Overall, Vietnam’s foreign policy strategy remains flexible and neutral despite criticism from some quarters.
As tensions continue to simmer between America and China over territorial disputes in Asia-Pacific region and Russia continues to play an active role in this game of brinkmanship
