Vietnam’s Growing Ties with Russia: A Shift Away from the US?

A recent investigation by The Times has shed light on Vietnam's increasing inclination towards Russia, and a corresponding drift away from the United States. By analyzing confidential documents related to weapons sales from a Russian arms supplier and conducting interviews with numerous officials from Vietnam, the US, and other regional countries, The Times has identified three key takeaways that highlight the complexities of Vietnam's foreign policy.The documents and interviews reveal a significant surge in military cooperation between Vietnam and Russia, with Vietnam emerging as one of the largest buyers of Russian arms in Southeast Asia. This growing partnership has raised eyebrows in Washington, where concerns are mounting about the potential erosion of US influence in the region.At the heart of Vietnam's shift towards Russia appears to be a desire to diversify its military supplies and reduce dependence on a single country. For years, Vietnam has been a major customer of Russian arms, and the relationship has only deepened in recent years. The Southeast Asian nation has been seeking to modernize its military and expand its capabilities, and Russia has been more than happy to oblige.However, this warming of ties with Russia has also sparked concerns about Vietnam's commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The US has been a long-standing supporter of Vietnam's sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly in the disputed South China Sea. As Vietnam's relationship with Russia grows, some observers worry that Hanoi may be compromising its stance on key regional issues.The implications of Vietnam's drift towards Russia are far-reaching, with potential consequences for regional security and US-Vietnam relations. As the US and China engage in a high-stakes competition for influence in Southeast Asia, Vietnam's foreign policy choices will have significant repercussions for the balance of power in the region. With tensions between the US and China showing no signs of easing, Vietnam's next steps will be closely watched by capitals around the world.