From: jameskerlindsay
In September 2023, a state visit by US President Joe Biden to Vietnam led to the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries [00:00:00]. This development is seen as a historic turnaround, given their past difficult relationship and ongoing ideological differences [00:00:17]. The primary driver behind this closer relationship is a shared security concern over China’s growing regional and international significance [00:10:36].
Historical Ties and Tensions
Vietnam, located in Southeast Asia, borders Cambodia, Laos, and China to its north [00:01:51]. Its history shows deep influence from China, both politically and culturally [00:02:35]. After centuries of Chinese influence, Vietnam came under direct Chinese rule until 938 CE, when it became a separate kingdom [00:02:39]. This relationship with its northern neighbor has remained complex and often conflictual [00:02:50].
During the First Indochina War, the People’s Republic of China, along with the Soviet Union, supported Vietnamese guerilla forces from the Communist-controlled North against the French army [00:04:13]. China was instrumental in supporting the North during the Vietnam War [00:10:51].
However, relations between Vietnam and China have been strained since the 1970s [00:10:53]. A brief conflict occurred in 1979, followed by sporadic border skirmishes throughout the 1980s [00:10:59]. Diplomatic relations were eventually restored in 1991 [00:11:06].
The South China Sea Dispute
Tensions have continued between Vietnam and China, particularly due to a steadily escalating dispute over the South China Sea [00:11:12]. China has been increasingly asserting its territorial claims in the region [00:11:17]. This issue has been the key factor shaping the relationship between Vietnam and the United States over the past decade [00:11:21].
The dispute has led to an increase in defence and security cooperation between Vietnam and the US [00:11:33]. The US has provided Vietnam with military equipment and training, and the two countries have engaged in joint military exercises [00:11:41].
Vietnam’s Balancing Act
Despite the tensions, the relationship between Vietnam and China is complex [00:11:56]. China remains Vietnam’s largest trading partner [00:12:01]. As neighbors ruled by communist parties, they continue to share ideological and political similarities [00:12:08]. Vietnam also has no desire for a full-scale conflict with China [00:12:15]. This defines the Vietnam-China relationship as a delicate balance of cooperation and rivalry, influenced by historical, economic, and geopolitical factors [00:12:21].
China’s Reaction to US-Vietnam Rapprochement
Beijing appears “rattled” by the strengthening ties between Vietnam and the United States [00:12:40]. This was evidenced in October 2023, just a month after President Biden’s visit, when Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly made an appeal for Vietnam to recall their past “good times” [00:12:46]. As tensions continue to escalate in the South China Sea, it is expected that Vietnam will continue to move closer to the United States [00:13:03].