Vietnam to host Putin in nod to old ties, risking ire of West

 

Vietnam is preparing a grand reception for Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, marking a significant visit for the Russian president amidst accusations of war crimes in Ukraine. This visit brings both potential advantages and risks for Hanoi’s Communist leaders.

Putin is expected to arrive in Hanoi late Wednesday night, following a visit to Pyongyang, where he met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Despite the international isolation faced by both North Korea and Russia, Vietnam has cultivated strategic alliances with the United States and the European Union. The United States has already expressed disapproval of Hanoi hosting the Russian leader, highlighting the significance of Putin’s visit to Vietnam.

 Alexander Vuving of the Hawaii-based Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies noted that this stop is crucial for Putin to demonstrate that Russia maintains global friendships despite Western efforts to isolate it. Vuving added that Vietnam has its own strategic interests, with Russia being a key arms supplier.

Russia has faced Western sanctions since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, referred to by Moscow as a “special military operation.” In March 2023, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Putin over alleged war crimes in Ukraine, charges he denies. Notably, neither Vietnam nor Russia are ICC members.

Historical ties

This visit to Vietnam will be Putin’s third international trip, following China and North Korea, since his fifth-term inauguration in May. This is his first visit to Vietnam since 2017 and his fifth overall.

The two countries share a long history of close ties and Communist roots, with many Vietnamese officials, including the current head of Vietnam’s Communist Party, Nguyen Phu Trong, having studied in the former Soviet Union.

State newspaper Bao Moi praised Putin, stating, "President Vladimir Putin has significantly contributed to Vietnam-Russia relations. He holds positive sentiments and concern for Vietnam and values relationships with Vietnam’s senior leaders."

The United States, a key partner that upgraded diplomatic relations with Hanoi last year and is Vietnam’s top trading partner, opposed Putin’s visit. A US embassy spokesperson in Hanoi stated, "No country should give Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression and normalize his atrocities."

‘Bamboo diplomacy’

Ian Storey, senior fellow at the Singapore-based ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, explained Vietnam’s rationale for the visit, highlighting Hanoi’s desire to maintain a balanced foreign policy without favoring any major power. This approach, known as “bamboo diplomacy,” aims to sustain good relations with global powers despite their conflicts.

Storey pointed out that with recent visits from US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Putin’s visit completes leadership visits from the “Big Three.” Given Russia’s historical role as Vietnam’s major military supplier, any announcements of arms deals will be closely monitored.

Additionally, Putin is expected to announce agreements in trade, investment, technology, and education, according to two officials who spoke to Reuters, though these plans are subject to change. Earlier on Wednesday, Vietnam announced its interest in having Russian state oil firm Zarubezhneft invest in green energy within the country.