Why Vietnam is so Darn Tough

Vietnam thinks it can fight just about anyone and win.

This attitude stems from the country’s many wars with China, as well as its having defeated the French and outlasted the U.S. As a result of all these conflicts, the Vietnamese are fiercely determined to maintain freedom of action in their foreign policy, as evidenced by the ramping up of their naval capabilities. While the country does possess a formidable sea force, it lacks the muscle to dislodge China from the disputed Paracel Islands or prevent Chinese harassment of Vietnamese drilling in disputed waters. However, it has enough military firepower to serve as an invaluable aid to America’s effort to contain Chinese expansion in the region. Unfortunately for the U.S., Vietnam wants amicable relations with Russia, so it’s reluctant to do America’s bidding.

In essence, it’s walking a tightrope between the U.S and Russia.

Vietnam leans heavily on Russia for the modernization of its military (mainly because most of its armaments come from Russia). It’s also moving deftly to normalize military ties with the U.S.

Concurrently, it’s working to boost defense cooperation with India and Russia, while also participating in trade initiatives like the Trans-Pacific Partnership as a way to reduce its overwhelming economic dependence on China.

Trying to achieve all these aims simultaneously is proving to be frustrating for Vietnam.

For example, the U.S. has not provided the support it wants over its territorial disputes with China.

As for gaining support from Japan and India over this issue, these countries don’t have the power to check Chinese assertiveness.

Result – Hanoi is feeling increasingly isolated in its protracted standoff with Beijing over the South China Sea.

This is deepening internal divides over how forcefully to confront China.