Over the past nine months, Vietnam has hosted top leaders from the United States, China, and Russia, showcasing its ability to play major powers against each other. 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 recent hosting of Russian President Vladimir Putin and signing of eleven cooperation agreements with him. 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.
