The recent elevation of US-Vietnam ties to a “comprehensive strategic partnership” has raised eyebrows, with experts suggesting it serves as a cover for Washington’s attempt to mitigate potential future issues in its relationship with China. Chinese analysts have maintained a calm stance over the development, emphasizing their confidence and mutual trust in Vietnam. They highlight the profound bond between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and contend that the US, being hostile toward socialism, will never achieve a partnership level akin to China-Vietnam relations.
Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, emphasized that Vietnam has consistently prioritized stable and sound Vietnam-China relations in its diplomacy. China calls for the US to respect regional countries’ aspirations for stability, cooperation, and development, adhere to international norms, and abandon hegemonic tendencies.
Despite President Joe Biden’s assurances that his administration aims to improve relations with China, many US media outlets have suggested that the expanded partnership with Vietnam is part of broader efforts to counter China’s influence in Asia. The US seeks to develop Vietnam as a key partner in its Indo-Pacific strategy, especially in mitigating risks associated with its China tensions, particularly in rare earths and semiconductors.
Chinese analysts believe that these US efforts are challenging and costly and will require time and resources to bear fruit. They argue that sustainable semiconductor production and reducing reliance on China are complex tasks. While the US hopes to leverage Vietnam to “de-risk” its supply chain from China-US tensions, it remains uncertain how successful these efforts will be.
Observers suggest that if the US can successfully assist Vietnam in establishing advanced chip production capabilities, it may inadvertently benefit China, considering the significant profits in the Chinese market and the strong ties between China and Vietnam.
Vietnam’s wisdom in managing its relationships has been apparent. Chinese leaders, including General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping, have engaged frequently with Vietnamese counterparts, highlighting their tradition of friendship and mutual assistance. Vietnam has made it clear that developing long-term, stable, and sound Vietnam-China relations remains its strategic choice.
Despite the elevation of US-Vietnam ties, experts believe they will never reach the level of China-Vietnam relations. The ideological disparity between Vietnam and the US, along with the close bond between Vietnam and China, underscores the limits of US-Vietnam relations. While the dispute over the South China Sea remains, both China and Vietnam have agreed to negotiate to resolve the issue. Hanoi is unlikely to risk its political security to serve US interests and provoke its powerful neighbor, given their deep trade ties and shared socialist ideology.
In the context of ideological differences and the structural problem between Vietnam and the US, a stable and close relationship with China remains pivotal for Vietnam’s socialist development. Despite diplomatic efforts to engage with major powers, Vietnam recognizes the fundamental importance of maintaining its relationship with China.