Russian President Vladimir Putin landed in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Wednesday after a significant meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. This meeting culminated in a new strategic partnership, driven by Russia’s need for weapons to support its war in Ukraine.
Facing isolation from Western nations, Putin aims to enhance economic ties with friendly countries and prove that Western sanctions are ineffective. Vietnam, with its policy of non-alignment and strong historical ties to Moscow, is an ideal partner. The country’s ability to host leaders from the United States, China, and Russia underscores its unique diplomatic position.
Putin’s two-day visit has been met with criticism from the United States. A State Department spokesperson remarked, “No country should give Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression and otherwise allow him to normalize his atrocities.” The spokesperson added that allowing Putin to travel freely could normalize Russia’s blatant violations of international law.
During his visit, Putin met with Vietnamese leaders, including Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President To Lam. Emphasizing the importance of the Russia-Vietnam partnership, Putin invited Lam to the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow next year.
Similar to his visit to Pyongyang, Putin’s trip to Hanoi indicates a strengthening relationship between Russia and Vietnam. Ahead of his visit, Putin expressed gratitude for Vietnam’s “balanced position” on the Ukraine crisis in an article for the Vietnamese Communist Party’s official newspaper.
Vietnam’s Ambassador to Russia, Dang Minh Koi, highlighted the visit’s potential to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance trade and economic cooperation. A joint statement and various agreements on cooperation in trade, economic, scientific, technological, and humanitarian areas are expected.
Moscow has been a significant supplier of weapons to Vietnam since the Soviet era, and discussions on arms and energy are likely on the agenda. Vietnam’s foreign policy balancing act, similar to India’s, allows it to maintain friendly relations with major powers, including Russia, the United States, and China. Last year, Vietnam hosted both Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden.
The US and Vietnam recently elevated their diplomatic ties to a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” marking a historic improvement in relations between the former adversaries. The US is also reviewing Vietnam’s market economy status, which could lead to lower tariffs on goods imported into the US. Vietnam is central to US efforts to counter Chinese influence in the region and a key component of Washington’s Indo-Pacific strategy.