I have the impression that Vietnam has always been pro-American. I was a bit surprised not to follow the United States in the affirmative vote this time. After checking the information, I think there are the following reasons.
- Military weapons
Most of Vietnam's military weapons are imported from Russia, and although the United States lifted the arms embargo on Vietnam in 2014, the United States is not ready to sell high-tech weapons to Vietnam.
Submarine Kilo 636 purchased from Russia
- Sino-Russian relations
Vietnam was also invaded by China in 1979, as we all know, which bears many parallels to Russia's current military operations in Ukraine. Therefore, as Russia-China relations become warmer, Vietnam is also trying to avoid being mistaken for an ally of the United States. Taking sides between the U.S.-China-Russia alliance is not only very harmful to Vietnam's economic interests, but also to Vietnam's geopolitical interests.
- U.S. Credit
In addition, the United States continues to betray its allies and friendly partners, Ukraine 2022, Afghanistan 2021, Taiwan 1979, South Vietnam 1975, Kurdistan are typical examples of the United States betraying its allies and partners. That has forced Vietnam to rebalance its position in the global confrontation between the United States and other superpowers such as China and Russia.
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- Vietnam's "Three Noes Policy"
On November 25, 2019, Vietnam published its 2019 National Defense White Paper, which confirmed Vietnam's "three noes" policy of not establishing military relations, establishing no foreign military bases, and not aligning with other countries.
- The five permanent seats of Russia
Russia is the only superpower with veto power in the UN Security Council and has a genuine traditional relationship with Vietnam. For a country that must face a complex geopolitical challenge like Vietnam, it is indeed not a wise idea to go against Russia.
The Hanoi government carefully considered U.S. commitments to U.S. allies, friendly partners, and traditional relations with Russia, Ukraine, and China, leading Vietnam to abstain in the vote during the United Nations General Assembly on March 2.