US-Vietnam Relations at an All-Time High
The trust between the US and Vietnam is at an “all-time high”, according to US Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Kritenbrink, despite Russia’s recent state visit to Hanoi. This sentiment was echoed during Kritenbrink’s talks with Vietnamese officials, where he emphasized the strong partnership between the two countries.
Economic Ties
Vietnam’s elevation of the US to its highest diplomatic status, comprehensive strategic partner, suggests that the country wants to hedge its friendships and diversify its supply chains away from China. The US is Vietnam’s largest export market, with trade between the two countries reaching 111 billion in 2023, compared to just 3.6 billion with Russia. This economic relationship is expected to continue to grow, with the US being a key player in Vietnam’s economic development.
The US is also a major investor in Vietnam, with American companies such as Intel, Samsung, and Microsoft having a significant presence in the country. Vietnam’s economic growth has been driven by its manufacturing sector, which has attracted foreign investment and created jobs for millions of Vietnamese workers.
Russia’s Role
Russia remains important for Vietnam due to its defense supplies and oil exploration technologies, but the US is a more significant economic partner. Russia’s recent state visit to Hanoi was seen as a significant event, but US officials were quick to emphasize that the visit did not diminish the importance of the US-Vietnam relationship.
During the visit, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Vietnamese President Nguyen Phu Trong signed several agreements, including a deal on oil and gas cooperation. However, the visit was also seen as a way for Russia to strengthen its ties with Vietnam and to counterbalance the growing influence of the US in the region.
South China Sea Tensions
China’s increasingly assertive actions in the South China Sea are a cause of “great concern” for the region and the world. The US is committed to defending its allies in the region, including the Philippines, and has “ironclad” defense treaties with its allies.
Vietnam is also taking a strong stance, with the country willing to hold talks with the Philippines to settle their overlapping claims to the undersea continental shelf in the South China Sea. The US has expressed its support for Vietnam’s efforts to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and has called on China to respect the rights of all countries in the region.
US Commitment to Regional Security
The US is likely to continue to play a key role in maintaining stability and security in the region. The country’s commitment to defending its allies and upholding international law is expected to remain strong.
The US has a long history of involvement in the region, dating back to the Vietnam War. Today, the US has a significant military presence in the region, with bases in Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines.
Philippines-US Relations
The Philippines may be more likely to seek US support and protection in the face of Chinese aggression, which could lead to increased defense cooperation between the two countries. The US has already expressed its support for the Philippines, with Kritenbrink stating that defense treaties between the US and the Philippines are “ironclad”.
The situation is likely to remain tense, but the US is expected to continue to play a key role in maintaining stability and security in the region. The country’s commitment to defending its allies and upholding international law is expected to remain strong.
Conclusion
The US-Vietnam relationship is at an all-time high, with the two countries enjoying strong economic ties and a deepening security partnership. The US is committed to defending its allies in the region, including the Philippines, and has “ironclad” defense treaties with its allies.
Vietnam is also taking a strong stance, with the country willing to hold talks with the Philippines to settle their overlapping claims to the undersea continental shelf in the South China Sea. The US has expressed its support for Vietnam’s efforts to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and has called on China to respect the rights of all countries in the region.
Overall, the US-Vietnam relationship is likely to continue to grow, with the two countries enjoying strong economic ties and a deepening security partnership. The US is committed to defending its allies in the region, and Vietnam is taking a strong stance in the face of Chinese aggression.