Vietnam is preparing for a significant diplomatic event as it welcomes Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday night. This visit is seen as both a symbolic gesture and a strategic move for the Vietnamese government, given Putin’s current international standing due to the conflict in Ukraine.
Arriving from North Korea, where he met with leader Kim Jong Un, Putin’s visit to Hanoi is expected to be highly publicized, marking his first visit to Vietnam since 2017 and his fifth overall. This visit follows trips to China and North Korea, making Vietnam the third stop on Putin’s international tour since his fifth term began in May.
Putin’s visit comes amid a complex geopolitical backdrop. Both Russia and North Korea face international isolation, while Vietnam has cultivated careful relationships with the United States and the European Union. Hanoi’s decision to host Putin has drawn criticism from the U.S., which condemned the move as an endorsement of Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
However, Alexander Vuving of the Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies points out that Putin’s visit is crucial for Russia, signaling that despite Western sanctions, Moscow still has international partners. “Russia wants to send the message that it has friends everywhere in the world and that the West’s effort to isolate Russia is futile,” Vuving said. He also highlighted the unique role Russia plays in Vietnam’s foreign policy, particularly as a significant supplier of arms.
Vietnam’s ties with Russia date back to the Cold War era when many Vietnamese leaders, including current Communist Party head Nguyen Phu Trong, studied in the Soviet Union. These historical connections have continued to influence Vietnam’s foreign policy. State media outlet Bao Moi emphasized the importance of Putin’s contributions to Vietnam-Russia relations, noting his longstanding support for Vietnam.
The visit is part of Vietnam’s broader “bamboo diplomacy” strategy, which aims to maintain balanced relations with major global powers despite their rivalries. According to Ian Storey of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, hosting Putin aligns with Vietnam’s goal of demonstrating an independent foreign policy that does not disproportionately favor any single power. This approach is evidenced by recent visits from both U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
During his visit, Putin is expected to discuss various agreements spanning trade, investment, technology, and education. Although details are yet to be finalized, there is speculation that military cooperation, particularly arms deals, could also be on the agenda, given Russia’s historical role as Vietnam’s primary military supplier.
Additionally, Vietnam has expressed interest in having Russian state oil firm Zarubezhneft invest in its green energy sector. This aligns with Vietnam’s efforts to diversify its energy investments and support sustainable development.
As Vietnam prepares for Putin’s arrival, the visit underscores Hanoi’s delicate balancing act between maintaining historical alliances and navigating contemporary geopolitical challenges. By welcoming the Russian leader, Vietnam aims to assert its diplomatic autonomy while managing the complexities of its international relationships.
