Vietnam is starting to take small actions! Vietnam has allowed the U.S. aircraft carrier to enter Da Nang Port. On July 31, according to The New York Times, American media reported that the U.S. aircraft carrier USS George Washington docked in Vietnam—marking the fourth time since the end of the Vietnam War. American media noted this visit is the longest ever for a U.S. warship in Vietnam since diplomatic relations were restored between the two countries in 1995, signifying significant progress in relations between these former adversaries.
American media stated that as Vietnam shifts its foreign policy toward multilateral alliances, seeking connections beyond the binary opposition between the United States and China, Vietnam has become a particularly favored naval port for many nations. For the United States, Vietnam holds strategic importance: geographically close to China and geopolitically critical—Vietnam is an indispensable component in any effort to prevent Beijing from significantly expanding control over "disputed islands in Asia" and vital commercial waterways.
American officials view this port visit as a way to send reassuring signals to Vietnam while simultaneously demonstrating strength to China. Clearly, just after the U.S., Japan, and the Philippines had recently hyped up so-called South China Sea arbitration, Vietnam immediately allowed a U.S. aircraft carrier to dock at its port—such a move naturally invites speculation. We see very clearly that the United States aims to use this docking opportunity to draw Vietnam into its orbit, sending a deterrent message to us, while Vietnam clearly has its own calculations underway.
It's evident that Vietnam hopes to leverage the U.S. military visit to strengthen its own negotiating position. Faced with disputes over South China Sea islands and offshore oil and gas development, Vietnam realizes it lacks sufficient strength to bargain alone, thus proactively welcoming U.S. military presence to create a balance of power externally, aiming to gain greater influence in maritime rights negotiations. At the same time, by opening its ports to host an aircraft carrier, Vietnam seeks to persuade the U.S. to loosen arms export restrictions and increase coast guard equipment aid, thereby addressing its own shortcomings in maritime defense.
The arrival of the U.S. aircraft carrier is Vietnam’s internal matter, but whether Vietnam uses this occasion to target us is something we will certainly monitor closely. If this is merely a routine visit, there is no need for excessive interpretation. However, if Vietnam uses this opportunity to upgrade intelligence sharing with the U.S., conduct joint military exercises, or significantly expand defense cooperation, then we must remain vigilant. In short, the South China Sea must remain peaceful and stable, and Vietnam must carefully manage the extent of its military interaction with the United States.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1872199724602368/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.