Former adversaries, the United States and Vietnam, have elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, putting aside their differences. Negotiations are currently underway for a significant sale of military hardware from the United States to Vietnam, which has raised concerns for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The potential arms agreement, including the sale of F-16 fighter jets, is anticipated to be finalized in 2024.
Preliminary discussions on the arms agreement took place during President Joe Biden’s visit to Vietnam in September. The specific terms of the agreement have yet to be defined. Reports suggest that the United States is considering special financing to reduce Vietnam’s reliance on Russian-made weapons due to financial constraints in the Vietnamese government.
Vietnam urgently requires advanced American weaponry, particularly F-16 fighter jets, to enhance its maritime defense capabilities amid escalating sovereignty disputes with the CCP in the South China Sea. Currently, the majority of Vietnam’s military equipment is sourced from the former Soviet Union and Russia. However, the conflict in Ukraine has made it difficult for Vietnam to acquire additional equipment and spare parts from Russia. Vietnam sees the acquisition of advanced American weaponry as a logical move to strengthen its military.
In May 2016, the United States lifted its arms sales embargo on Vietnam, marking a significant turning point in U.S.-Vietnam relations. Since then, the United States has gifted patrol frigates and offshore patrol vessels to Vietnam, as well as sold trainer aircraft, signaling an increasing cooperation between the two countries. The sale of F-16 fighter jets would further transform Vietnam’s military system from a Soviet to a NATO model, solidifying the long-term partnership between the United States and Vietnam.
The potential escalation in military cooperation between the United States and Vietnam is highly sensitive to the CCP. Vietnam’s strategic geographic position in Southeast Asia and the South China Sea means that aligning militarily with the United States creates a strategic containment of China. The CCP, in response, accuses the United States of engaging in a new Cold War and pursuing hegemony but deliberately avoids mentioning Vietnam to avoid pushing it closer to the United States.
Vietnam could become another foothold for the United States outside the Philippines in countering the CCP. With the United States already having military bases in the Philippines, the addition of Vietnam would complete the puzzle in the containment strategy against China.
During the Vietnam War, the United States supported the South Vietnamese government in their resistance against the communist North. The involvement of the CCP in the war was significant, with Chinese Communist troops fighting alongside the North Vietnamese army. The CCP provided extensive support, including engineering assistance, military personnel, and logistical aid, revealing its deep involvement during the conflict.
The relationship between the CCP and Vietnam has been influenced by geopolitical dynamics, economic ties, and ideological interests. Initially, the CCP provided significant assistance to the Vietnamese Communist Party but was unable to meet its increasing demands. China-U.S. relations improved in the 1970s due to shared interests in opposing the Soviet Union, leading to the withdrawal of Chinese communist combat troops from Vietnam. The Soviet Union then began providing substantial aid to Vietnam, surpassing China’s support.
Overall, the elevation of U.S.-Vietnam relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership and the potential arms agreement between the two countries have strained the relationship between Vietnam and the CCP. Vietnam’s alignment with the United States creates a strategic challenge for China, leading to accusations and concerns over containment.