Vietnam Chases Secret Russian Arms Deal, Despite Deepening Ties With US
A Vietnam Government Document Sheds Light
Overt Operator
September 11, 2023
Vietnam, known for its delicate balancing act between major world powers, is making covert plans to purchase Russian weapons despite American sanctions, an internal Vietnamese government document revealed, The New York Times reported on September 9.
Vietnam seeks to upgrade its military capabilities as a deterrent against China's growing influence in the region.
President Biden's visit to Vietnam this week is aimed at solidifying the nation's commitment to “strengthening ties” with the United States, press remarks from President Joe Biden and Vietnam Communist General Secretary Party Nguyễn Phú Trọng quoted on September 10 by the White House indicated.
However, behind the scenes, Vietnam is quietly negotiating a new arms deal with Russia, in direct contravention of American sanctions. Purchases of Russian defense equipment were conducted through transfers at a Vietnamese and Russian oil venture in Siberia.
The Vietnamese government views this deal as a way to strengthen strategic trust with Russia, which has been facing embargoes from Western countries.
Vietnam has a long history of depending on Russian weaponry, making this clandestine arms deal an attractive option for the country.
United States officials have previously vowed to penalize nations that purchase weapons from Russia, complicating Vietnam's plans to modernize its military and bolster its defenses against Chinese encroachment in the South China Sea.
This secret plan to procure Russian defense equipment places Vietnam center-stage of a larger security contest, interwoven with both Cold War politics and Ukraine’s ongoing conflict.
While Vietnam has managed to navigate its relationships with various world powers, this arms deal threatens to undermine its efforts to deepen ties with the United States. It serves as a reminder of the risks associated with American foreign policy that forces countries to choose between one side or the other.
Experts reportedly caution that United States expectations of Vietnam's ability to fully align with American interests may be unrealistic.
Ian Storey, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, was quoted suggesting that America may not fully grasp the sensitivity of Vietnam's position. Storey has authored a forthcoming book on Russia's relations with Southeast Asia.
Vietnam's pursuit of a secret arms deal with Russia highlights the challenges faced by countries in navigating complex geopolitical dynamics. As major powers jockey for position and influence, nations like Vietnam must carefully weigh their options and make strategic decisions to safeguard their own interests.
A delicate dance between world powers underscores deep need for a nuanced approach to foreign policy that recognizes the unique circumstances and sensitivities of each nation.
President Biden's visit to Vietnam serves as a symbol of the country's aspirations to deepen its ties with the United States.
Both nations are eager to emphasize their commitment to peace, prosperity, and stability in the region. Yet, Vietnam's hidden pursuit of Russian weapons underscores the complexities of international relations and the challenges faced by countries in balancing competing interests.