Vietnam, once isolated, is scoring key diplomatic victories with agility

Putin’s visit was meant to send a clear message to the West about his intention to offset attempts to isolate Russia. Arguably, the visit did not yield any significant agreements for Hanoi, focusing more on the economy and other aspects of cooperation than on security issues. However, the timing and associated symbolism of the visit, including Putin receiving a 21-gun salute, makes it clear that Russia remains a priority in Vietnam’s foreign policy calculations.

In addition, Hanoi has displayed diplomatic agility in handling the Russia-Ukraine conflict. It has successfully managed to maintain neutrality, allowing for the nurturing of long-standing ties with both Moscow and Washington.

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The intensifying war in Ukraine has exacerbated divisions between US allies and other countries, complicating Hanoi’s efforts to uphold its “firm but flexible” foreign policy approach. However, it is also clear that a “with us or against us” stance, reminiscent of the US’ “war on terror”, is inappropriate for Southeast Asia.

As far as the US is concerned, closer ties with the Kremlin may invite some criticism. The Russian president’s visit was rebuked by the US embassy in Hanoi, which stated that “no country should give Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression and otherwise allow him to normalise his atrocities”. However, Vietnam’s strategic importance is likely to shield it from serious adverse repercussions of deepening ties with Russia and China.

Rushali Saha is a New-Delhi based independent researcher and analyst working with Horizon Intelligence, a Belgium-based threat intelligence firm