US-Vietnam Partnership Not Linked to China, Russia Relations, Says Official

27 Jun, 2024

US-Vietnam Partnership Not Linked to China, Russia Relations, Says Official

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated that the U.S. improving relations with Vietnam don't require cutting ties with China or Russia. Yellen's comments came after Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Hanoi, where he signed 11 agreements with Vietnam on issues like oil, gas, and nuclear science. Yellen emphasized that Vietnam's strategy involves collaborating with various countries, and the U.S. partnership doesn't necessitate severing ties with Russia or China. Both President Biden and Yellen visited Vietnam last year to deepen ties and counter China's influence. Despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Vietnam maintains strong relations with Russia. Vietnam's historical ties with Russia date back to Soviet support during the Vietnam War and conflicts with China. Recent tensions between Hanoi and Beijing over South China Sea claims have strained relations despite economic dependencies. Experts highlight the U.S.'s strategy to contain China, with Vietnam playing a crucial role. Vietnam's significant Russian defense equipment makes severing ties difficult. Instead, the U.S. aims to woo Vietnam without coercion, recognizing the benefits of cooperation. Putin's recent visits to communist states aim to build alliances amid Western isolation. The U.S. criticizes Putin's actions, emphasizing the importance of not normalizing aggression.