Nowadays, I have been promoted two levels in a row!, The once like fire and water relationship between the United States and Vietnam

US President Biden recently visited Vietnam. It is understood that this is Biden's first visit to Vietnam since taking office as President of the United States in 2021. Both sides announced that the US Vietnam relationship will be upgraded by two levels, from a comprehensive partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Why did the United States suddenly close its military cooperation with Vietnam?

The United States is intensifying its efforts to woo Vietnam

Since this year, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other senior officials have visited Vietnam in succession to seek to strengthen US Vietnam relations. The visit of US President Biden is seen as the "concluding act" of a series of diplomatic actions.

According to military observer Teng Jianqun's analysis, the US is pushing for an upgrade in its relationship with Vietnam with the aim of making Vietnam a key player in the South China Sea and Southeast Asia.

Teng Jianqun:

The intensified exchanges between the United States and Vietnam are driven by geopolitical considerations. The enhancement of partnership between the United States and Vietnam has a political symbolic meaning. In addition, the United States hopes to give Vietnam "face" and let Vietnam continue to stir up trouble and create trouble with the United States in Southeast Asia.

Vietnam carried out a series of reforms such as "reform and opening up" in the mid-1980s, turning its attention to major powers. Therefore, Vietnam is also willing to strengthen cooperation with the United States.

The more beautiful it is, the more difficult it is to truly "connect" with others

According to reports, US Deputy National Security Advisor Fener previously claimed that the security sector also belongs to the cooperation level of the US Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership.

To win over Vietnam, the United States amended the arms trade terms in 2007 to allow the sale of non lethal weapons to Vietnam. In May 2016, then US President Obama announced during his visit to Vietnam that the United States would fully lift its arms sales ban on Vietnam, with every transaction being reviewed.

Teng Jianqun believes that the United States and Vietnam will strengthen cooperation and exchanges in the military field in the future, but due to differences in political systems, ideologies, and other aspects, relevant cooperation is difficult to deepen and solidify.

Teng Jianqun:

The United States is now tentatively providing non lethal weapons, including patrol ships, to Vietnam. The United States is still hesitating whether it will provide some weapons of destruction next, after all, Vietnam and the United States have different social systems.

After improving or enhancing the relationship between the two countries, the cooperation between the United States and Vietnam in the field of security will be further strengthened, but both sides will maintain a certain level of vigilance.

The United States claims to help Vietnam get rid of Russian made equipment

As is well known, Vietnam has heavily relied on Soviet and Russian made weapons and equipment for many years. US officials recently stated that the US and its partners can help Vietnam break free from its dependence on Russian made equipment.

In the view of military observer Teng Jianqun, this will be difficult to achieve for a long time in the future.

Teng Jianqun:

The weapons and equipment provided to Vietnam by the former Soviet Union and now Russia, such as fighter jets and Kilo class submarines, are not meant to be abandoned if one wants to. This requires a process and a huge cost.

The Vietnamese People's Army has become adept at using Soviet and Russian made weapons, and I believe it is impossible for the Vietnamese army to completely abandon Russian made weapons.

Russia will also strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in the transfer of military products in the next step, in order to firmly grasp its share in the Vietnamese arms market.

Vietnam strengthens "multilateral diplomacy"

It is understood that Vietnam currently seems to be downplaying the importance of its new "comprehensive strategic partnership" with the United States, stating its intention to elevate its relations with Australia, Indonesia, and Singapore to equal status in recent weeks.

Teng Jianqun pointed out that Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam have always maintained an independent foreign policy and will not take sides in this sensitive period.

Teng Jianqun:

Currently, maintaining balance among major powers is a common choice for Southeast Asian countries. After all, in relevant regions, China, the United States, and Russia have a certain degree of influence in terms of security and economic and trade fields. Choosing sides to stand in line may result in huge losses.

Former Philippine President Aquino III once took sides and adopted a policy of leaning towards the United States. Not only did he not receive security guarantees, but he also suffered significant losses in the economic and trade field.

For Southeast Asian countries, maintaining balance among major powers is the choice to maximize their interests.