The Vietnam-US relationship appears to be cooling as Asia turns toward Russia and China. With large military orders from Moscow, valued at $8 billion, for Su-30 and Su-35 aircraft, Vietnam is renewing its defenses and strengthening strategic cooperation with Russia.
A series of large military purchases by Vietnam from Russia underscores the profound change in relations between Moscow and Hanoi, as Vietnam appears to be moving away from Washington and redefining its geopolitical strategy in the Indochina region. These agreements are a direct result of the geopolitical shifts that followed the withdrawal of US President Joe Biden from the active political scene, a development that opened the way for Russia and China to regain lost ground in the region. This shift could affect the balance of power across the Pacific, creating new conditions for security and strategic cooperation.
"The equipment of the century"
During his current visit to Japan, US President Donald Trump boasted before the Japanese leadership that the United States produces the best weapons in the world. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Tinh, however, expressed a different view: he believes that Russia produces the most reliable and advanced military systems.
His assessment is confirmed by recent reports that Hanoi has proceeded with agreements with Moscow for the supply of high-tech air and naval defense systems, while also preparing to replace older aircraft and helicopters of the Vietnamese army.
Specifically, the $8 billion deal includes the purchase of 40 Su-30 and Su-35 fighter jets, the development of military-technical cooperation through joint ventures, and the payment in rubles, according to the Russian press. This is the largest equipment order made by the People's Army of Vietnam in decades.
Vietnamese officials argue that cooperation with Russia is a matter of practical pragmatism and a continuation of a long tradition, as Russia has been a traditional arms supplier for the Indochina countries. At the same time, Hanoi maintains a dual strategy: while expanding its cooperation with Moscow, it is simultaneously proceeding with interstate agreements with China, Israel, India, and even North Korea, demonstrating its intention to maintain a multi-directional strategic advantage.
Turn to Russia-China
The Vietnam-Russia relationship was recently strengthened by visits of high-ranking Russian officials to the Vietnamese capital. Last summer, Russian President Vladimir Putin invited the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, to Moscow for the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, while on September 2, Russian soldiers participated in the festive parades for Vietnam's Independence Day alongside their Vietnamese counterparts. Subsequently, Presidential Advisor Nikolai Patrushev visited Hanoi to discuss maritime security and regional cooperation issues.
The turn toward Russia is not the only concern for the US. Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent visit to Hanoi accelerated the implementation of cross-border railway projects, in which China has a strong economic interest. The Chinese also participated in military parades in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, while Vietnamese officials traveled to Beijing for the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. At the same time, Hanoi is moving toward self-production of certain weapons and signing defense agreements with other countries, strengthening its independence and reducing strategic dependence on the US.
Moving away from the US
Vietnam's dissatisfaction with Washington intensified during the Trump presidency, which, according to reports, canceled humanitarian programs, imposed tariffs on products such as furniture, and created a strong sense of exaggeration and alienation with projects such as the construction of a golf course on the outskirts of Hanoi. All this, combined with a lack of agreements and political uncertainty on the part of the US, pushed Vietnam to re-evaluate its priorities and strengthen strategic cooperation with Russia and China.
In this context, Russia emerges as Hanoi's key strategic partner, providing advanced military systems, know-how, and support to military industries, while China strengthens infrastructure and economic cooperation. This political approach signals a significant shift in the axis of influence in the Indochina region, with consequences for the balance of power in Asia and the wider Pacific region.
As Ho Chi Minh said in 1966: "Everything depends on the Americans. If they want war for 20 years, we are ready. If they want peace, we are fine and we will invite them for tea later." This saying remains relevant, as the Vietnamese leadership shows that its strategy now depends more on maintaining strong relationships with Russia and China than with Washington.
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"The equipment of the century"
During his current visit to Japan, US President Donald Trump boasted before the Japanese leadership that the United States produces the best weapons in the world. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Tinh, however, expressed a different view: he believes that Russia produces the most reliable and advanced military systems.
His assessment is confirmed by recent reports that Hanoi has proceeded with agreements with Moscow for the supply of high-tech air and naval defense systems, while also preparing to replace older aircraft and helicopters of the Vietnamese army.
Specifically, the $8 billion deal includes the purchase of 40 Su-30 and Su-35 fighter jets, the development of military-technical cooperation through joint ventures, and the payment in rubles, according to the Russian press. This is the largest equipment order made by the People's Army of Vietnam in decades.
Vietnamese officials argue that cooperation with Russia is a matter of practical pragmatism and a continuation of a long tradition, as Russia has been a traditional arms supplier for the Indochina countries. At the same time, Hanoi maintains a dual strategy: while expanding its cooperation with Moscow, it is simultaneously proceeding with interstate agreements with China, Israel, India, and even North Korea, demonstrating its intention to maintain a multi-directional strategic advantage.
Turn to Russia-China
The Vietnam-Russia relationship was recently strengthened by visits of high-ranking Russian officials to the Vietnamese capital. Last summer, Russian President Vladimir Putin invited the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, to Moscow for the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, while on September 2, Russian soldiers participated in the festive parades for Vietnam's Independence Day alongside their Vietnamese counterparts. Subsequently, Presidential Advisor Nikolai Patrushev visited Hanoi to discuss maritime security and regional cooperation issues.
The turn toward Russia is not the only concern for the US. Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent visit to Hanoi accelerated the implementation of cross-border railway projects, in which China has a strong economic interest. The Chinese also participated in military parades in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, while Vietnamese officials traveled to Beijing for the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. At the same time, Hanoi is moving toward self-production of certain weapons and signing defense agreements with other countries, strengthening its independence and reducing strategic dependence on the US.
Moving away from the US
Vietnam's dissatisfaction with Washington intensified during the Trump presidency, which, according to reports, canceled humanitarian programs, imposed tariffs on products such as furniture, and created a strong sense of exaggeration and alienation with projects such as the construction of a golf course on the outskirts of Hanoi. All this, combined with a lack of agreements and political uncertainty on the part of the US, pushed Vietnam to re-evaluate its priorities and strengthen strategic cooperation with Russia and China.
In this context, Russia emerges as Hanoi's key strategic partner, providing advanced military systems, know-how, and support to military industries, while China strengthens infrastructure and economic cooperation. This political approach signals a significant shift in the axis of influence in the Indochina region, with consequences for the balance of power in Asia and the wider Pacific region.
As Ho Chi Minh said in 1966: "Everything depends on the Americans. If they want war for 20 years, we are ready. If they want peace, we are fine and we will invite them for tea later." This saying remains relevant, as the Vietnamese leadership shows that its strategy now depends more on maintaining strong relationships with Russia and China than with Washington.
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