Putin Arrives in Vietnam for State Visit

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Facts

  • Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin arrived in Vietnam on Thursday on the last leg of his two-nation Asian trip after signing a defense pact with North Korea.1
  • After Vietnamese Pres. Tô Lâm praised Russia's 'domestic political stability,' Putin noted that reinforcing a comprehensive strategic partnership with Hanoi is Moscow's priority.2
  • Following the talks, Putin said that both countries expressed interest in creating a 'regional security architecture based on the principles of the non-use of force and a peaceful settlement of disputes.'3
  • Both sides reportedly signed deals to further cooperation in education, science and technology, oil and gas exploration, as well as health. They also agreed to establish a center for nuclear science and technology in Vietnam.4
  • Putin's two-day visit is his fifth presidential trip to Vietnam and coincides with the 30th anniversary of the bilateral Treaty on the Principles of Friendly Relations.5

Sources: 1Guardian, 2Alarabiya, 3TASS, 4Associated Press and 5Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus).

Narratives

  • Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Voice of America. Following his North Korea trip, Putin's charm offensive in Vietnam primarily aims to reinforce relations in Asia to offset Russia's growing international isolation. However, by offering Putin a stage, Hanoi risks upsetting key trading partners in the West, Japan, and South Korea. Given that Vietnam and the US recently upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, Vietnam should think twice about alienating the West out of false loyalty to Moscow.
  • Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by Global Times. Putin's visit highlights the mutual respect and long-standing Russia-Vietnam friendship and yet again exposes the absurdity of Western claims of Russia's 'international isolation.' The West is trapped in a worldview based on double standards and hypocrisy, while countries like Vietnam are increasingly seeking to preserve their strategic autonomy without jeopardizing US ties. International relations are no zero-sum game, and only if Washington recognizes this will it regain some credibility.

Predictions