Golden Bay is considered one of the most beautiful landscapes in Vietnam and is famous for being under U.S. control during the Vietnam War (Reuters)

Under the backdrop of rapid geopolitical changes in the Asia-Pacific region, a report published by Russian media "Svobodnaya Pressa" has reignited discussions about Russia's possible return to the Cam Ranh Bay naval base in Vietnam. Analysts believe this move indicates that Moscow aims to strengthen its presence in the East to counter the growing influence of the West in the region.

The reporter from the newspaper, Andrey Zaharchenko, pointed out in his article that the recent visit of the Chairman of the State Duma of Russia, Vyacheslav Volokin, to Vietnam coincided with the fourth meeting of the joint committee between the two countries' parliaments.

The report added that although this visit was ceremonial, it conveyed a deeper message. Volokin emphasized that the purpose of the visit was to accelerate the implementation of agreements signed between Moscow and Hanoi, thereby paving the way for strengthening economic, educational, and cultural relations.

Russia and Vietnam

The newspaper continued its report, noting that this move aligns with Russia's notable initiatives, including President Vladimir Putin's instruction to start a training program for Russian government officials in Vietnam beginning in 2025, as well as Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with the Vietnamese Foreign Minister during the United Nations General Assembly.

In terms of economy, the Russian Energy Minister, Nikolai Shulginov, revealed that an agreement is about to be signed to build Vietnam's first nuclear power plant. This has led observers to believe that energy issues may be the main driving force behind Moscow's intensive diplomatic activities towards Hanoi, explained "Svobodnaya Pressa."

Zaharchenko emphasized that Russia's actions are not unrelated to the growing Western presence. The "Asia Star" channel, which specializes in Asian and Pacific affairs, pointed out that the UK is preparing to sign a contract with Vietnam to provide long-term maintenance services for its warships from 2025 to 2029.

This move marks a shift in Vietnam's policy, as Vietnam had previously refused to repair foreign warships in its ports. Despite denying any intention to establish a permanent British base, the Russian newspaper noted that the new cooperation would grant the British navy broader operational freedom in the disputed South China Sea waters.

Zaharchenko said that Russia's actions are not unrelated to the growing Western presence. The "Asia Star" channel, which specializes in Asian and Pacific affairs, pointed out that the UK is preparing to sign a contract with Vietnam to provide long-term maintenance services for its warships from 2025 to 2029.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin instructed the launch of a training program for Russian government officials in Vietnam (Reuters)

Strategic Leverage

Amidst this context, speculation has emerged about Moscow's potential return to the Cam Ranh Bay base. It is one of the best deep-water ports in the world, used by the Soviet Union, but was withdrawn at the beginning of the new millennium.

When interviewed by the newspaper, Russian expert Andrey Koshkin described the base as having "huge geopolitical prospects," comparing it to the Cuban base of Lourdes, which allowed Moscow to monitor large parts of the United States during the Cold War.

Koshkin emphasized that the solid historical relationship with Vietnam provides a solid foundation for Russia to re-activate military cooperation, adding that moving east does not mean cutting ties with the West, "but Russia's true future lies in Asia, where Asian tigers are rising and forming new centers of power."

Countering Western Expansion

Koshkin believes that growing security challenges, especially the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) attempts to penetrate the Indian Ocean and the Pacific region, have prompted Moscow to strengthen its presence in the region.

Regarding what Cam Ranh Bay could bring to Moscow, he explained that it depends on the size of the forces stationed there and the type of equipment, but he believes that its existence will give Russia additional weight in regional balance.

He compared its importance to the Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, saying that such bases are "unsinkable land-based aircraft carriers."

Zaharchenko stated that although attention is focused on the nuclear cooperation between Russia and Vietnam, some observers believe that Moscow seeks to rebuild military influence in Southeast Asia in the long run to protect its interests and counter the presence of the United States and Britain.

Trump posted on the "Truth Social" platform, emphasizing: "If Afghanistan does not return the Bagram Airfield to its builder - the United States, bad things will happen."

On September 5, 2017, U.S. Air Force members deployed for the "Resolute Support Mission" were preparing F-16 fighter jets at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan (Getty Images)

Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan

Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump said that if Afghanistan does not return the Bagram Airfield to American control, "bad things" will happen.

Trump added on the "Truth Social" platform at the time: "If Afghanistan does not return the Bagram Airfield to its builder - the United States, bad things will happen."

Trump criticized the Biden administration's way of withdrawing from Afghanistan in 2021 and said that the United States could have left Afghanistan but would have kept the Bagram Airfield.

He added: "We gave the base to them for free, we are trying to get it back because they need something from us," implying that Washington has influence over the Afghan government led by the Taliban.

In contrast, Afghan government officials emphasized their refusal to allow U.S. control over the Bagram Airfield north of Kabul and confirmed that the base is fully under government control.

Afghan Foreign Ministry official Zaki Jalali previously told Al Jazeera that his country would not accept U.S. military presence.

Afghans Refuse

During an interview with Al Jazeera, an anonymous Afghan government source said that since March, the U.S. government has been talking about the Bagram Airfield to find ways to reclaim it. He explained that in his view, the reason is that the U.S. wants to monitor China, access rare earth elements and Afghan minerals, and establish a counter-terrorism center under the guise of combating "terrorism," targeting the Islamic State, and possibly reopening diplomatic missions in Afghanistan.

But he emphasized that achieving these goals requires a U.S. military presence in Afghanistan, which the Taliban would not agree to.

Afghan Foreign Ministry official Zaki Jalali also told Al Jazeera that his country would not accept U.S. military presence.

But Jalali added that Afghanistan and the U.S. need to engage with each other, and they can build economic and political relations based on mutual respect and common interests, without the U.S. retaining any military presence anywhere in Afghanistan.

Sources: Russian Media

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7557205973870395914/

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