ARTICLES

27 May 2025

The Strategic Calculations Behind To Lam’s Eurasian Tour

Nguyen Khac Giang

Vietnamese leader To Lam's recent tour of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan was aimed at diversifying Hanoi’s strategic partnerships and securing Moscow’s backing for its military needs and South China Sea claims.

Vietnam Vietnam-Russia relations

6 Mar 2025

Vietnam-Ukraine Ties: More Engagement, More Balanced Approach?

Nguyen Hong Thach

Vietnam, traditionally seen to be more allied with Russia, has recently increased its diplomatic engagements with Ukraine. This could result in Vietnam taking a more neutral stance in the Russia-Ukraine war.

23 Aug 2024

Russian President Putin’s Visit to Hanoi: Vietnam’s ‘Bamboo Diplomacy’ In Action

Ian Storey

President Putin’s visit to Vietnam was a qualified success for both countries. The Putin regime was able to show that despite Western efforts to isolate it, Russia is not without friends. By hosting the Russian leader, Vietnam was able to honour an old friend and highlight the merits of its bamboo diplomacy.

China-Vietnam Relations U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam Vietnam-Russia relations

12 Jul 2024

Rise of Chinese Language in Vietnam Hinders Plans to Bring Back Russian

Nguyen Thanh Giang|Le Hong Hiep

There is a Russian-Vietnamese plan to bring the learning of Russian back to Vietnamese schools. But the reality is that English and Chinese are the most popular languages in the country.

Southeast Asia Vietnam Vietnam-Russia relations Vietnamese Economy

19 Jun 2024

Putin’s Visit to Vietnam: When the Past Weighs on the Present

Hoang Thi Ha

Vietnam’s gains from hosting Russia’s president will likely pale in comparison to the expected benefits of courting other powers. However, sentiment can play a role in international relations – what’s a visit between old friends?

International Relations Vietnam Vietnam-Russia relations

22 Mar 2024

Vietnam and the Russia-Ukraine War: Hanoi’s ‘Bamboo Diplomacy’ Pays Off but Challenges Remain

Ian Storey

The strengthening of the Russia-China strategic nexus affects Vietnam more than any other Southeast Asian country. Hanoi is concerned that Beijing may use its leverage with Moscow to undermine Vietnam’s interests in the South China Sea.

International Relations Southeast Asia Vietnam Vietnam-Russia relations

5 Feb 2024

Will Vietnam Turn to Russia or America for Its New Jet Fighter?

Ian Storey

Vietnam needs to upgrade its ageing fighter fleet. But it faces a list of less than optimal options.

U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam Vietnam-Russia relations Vietnamese Military

25 May 2022

Vietnam and Russia’s Political Alignment: More than Meets the Eye

Hoang Thi Ha|Darren Cheong

A lot of ink has been spilled to explain Vietnam’s reticence to take a stronger position against Russia’s war in Ukraine. One facet of the Russo-Vietnam relationship that has not been discussed as much is the two countries’ political alignment on issues such as human rights and democracy in the global arena.

International Relations Russia Vietnam Vietnam-Russia relations

13 May 2022

The Russia-Ukraine War: Unpacking Online Pro-Russia Narratives in Vietnam

Hoang Thi Ha|Dien Nguyen An Luong

Pro-Russia narratives in Vietnam’s cyberspace are the result of cross-pollination between sentimental attachment since the Soviet era, psychological bias towards Russia embedded in Vietnam’s education and propaganda system, and the overriding imperative to preserve the Vietnamese state’s political and ideological interests.

Vietnam Vietnam-Russia relations

4 Apr 2022

Will Vietnam Be Able to Wean Itself Off Russian Arms?

Le Hong Hiep

Vietnam is finding it increasingly hard to continue its policy of buying military equipment from Russia. Hanoi is aware of the rationale for securing weapons from other countries, but doing so will not be easy.

Vietnam Vietnam-Russia relations