Putin’s Visit to Hanoi: Hardly a Challenge to Vietnam-US Strategic Partnership

056 – 27 June 2024 The authors' views are their own and do not represent the official position of the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies of the S. [...] The timing of the visit also mailto:RSISPublications@ntu.edu.sg does not bode well for Vietnam-US relations as Vietnam is appealing for the United States to recognise it as a market economy. [...] Rather than aligning with the West in condemning Russia, Vietnam has consistently emphasised the importance of adhering to the principles of the UN Charter and international law, particularly the principle of respect for countries’ independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. [...] Responding to a question about Putin’s visit, he stated that the United States respects Vietnam and that “Vietnam can decide the best way to protect its sovereignty and promote its interests.” This statement countered the earlier criticism from the US embassy, possibly with a view to reassuring Vietnam that bilateral relations will not suffer because of Putin’s visit. [...] Kritenbrink’s visit provided Vietnam with an opportunity to signal to the United States that Vietnam will continue to work with the United States on issues of shared strategic interests.