| 16 September 2023
| Christie Anto
Hanoi, Vietnam - The recent upgrade of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the United States to their highest level has raised eyebrows in Beijing, sparking concerns of a new Cold War unfolding in Southeast Asia. However, Vietnamese citizens seem to view the development through a more nuanced lens, emphasizing their country's ability to maintain neutrality in the face of escalating US-China competition.
China's foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, cautioned the United States against adopting a "hegemonic and Cold War mentality" in its dealings with Asian nations, including Vietnam. She called upon Washington to respect the shared aspiration of regional countries for stability, cooperation, and development while highlighting Vietnam's repeated statements regarding the importance of its relationship with Beijing.
US officials have swiftly rejected claims that their deepening ties with Vietnam are part of a Cold War strategy against China in the Indo-Pacific region. Mira Rapp-Hooper, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for East Asia and Oceania at the National Security Council, emphasized that the partnership symbolizes modern cooperation from the US perspective and does not force Vietnam to choose between Washington and Beijing.
US Ambassador to Vietnam, Marc E. Knapper, echoed this sentiment, asserting that the new relationship is primarily about the intrinsic value it holds for both countries, emphasizing shared prosperity, security, and interests in a free and open Indo-Pacific and South China Sea. The latter reference highlights the tension surrounding China's territorial claims in the South China Sea and its growing assertiveness in the region.
For many Vietnamese citizens, the new partnership with the US signifies an opportunity for their country to maintain good diplomatic relations with both superpowers without being pulled definitively in either direction. My Linh, a 22-year-old law student from Ho Chi Minh City, noted that Vietnam's socialist status did not hinder its shrewd diplomacy, allowing for increased economic and educational opportunities with US investments.
"I have confidence and take pride in Vietnam's diplomatic policies. We can be stern when it's called for but still remain diplomatic. We don't shy away from historical facts," Linh said, emphasizing Vietnam's commitment to neutrality.
Nguyen Hien, a small rubber parts manufacturer from Hanoi, criticized Biden for his role in the Ukraine conflict but acknowledged the majority of Vietnamese people's desire for good relations with the US. Hien warned against losing agency in the relationship and advocated for maintaining a balanced position amid current geopolitical tensions.
Le Nam, a financial specialist from Da Nang, anticipated that the partnership would bolster Vietnam's economy, while Cao Thanh Hien, an employee at a Hanoi university, saw potential benefits in terms of the South China Sea dispute. Both expressed hope for expanded economic relations and greater access to educational opportunities with the US.
In this delicate balancing act, Vietnam appears poised to leverage its strategic position, ensuring that its relationship with both the US and China remains cooperative, beneficial, and ultimately, in the best interest of its sovereignty and stability. While the specter of a new Cold War looms large, the Vietnamese perspective underscores the nation's resolve to chart its own course in a complex geopolitical landscape.
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