Observers: Vietnam ‘picks sides’ with Russia in the UN vote

Observers in Vietnam and abroad commented to VOA that the Vietnamese government has “moved closer” to Russia, and decided to “pick sides” with Moscow, instead of following the majority according to common sense in the vote on April 7 at…
Russia Invades Ukraine and Vietnam’s “Bamboo Diplomacy”

Conducting an invasion of Ukraine under the rather “beautiful” name of a “special military operation,” Russia has faced condemnation and the harshest economic sanctions from many countries. Meanwhile, despite speaking out, Hanoi still only repeats symbolic diplomatic statements and avoids…
Vietnam’s “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”: Who Are They?

Vietnam has so far selected only three countries as “comprehensive strategic partners” namely Russia, China, and India. The US has proposed three times to upgrade its relationship with Vietnam to a “strategic partner” (lower than “comprehensive strategic partnership”) but Vietnam…
EU calls on Vietnam to turn its back on Russia and stand with Ukraine

Ambassadors of 21 European countries have just written a joint editorial in which they expressed disappointment with Vietnam’s abstention at the United Nations, calling on Hanoi to “stand with Ukraine” and use its influence over Russia to influence Moscow. Russia’s…
Russia-Ukraine conflict: Vietnam is stuck and careful with China

On February 24, 2022, Vietnam voiced “extreme concern about the armed conflict situation in Ukraine” and “called on all parties to exercise restraint” and “not use force, protect the people, continue dialogue in search of a peaceful solution.” Like many…