Vietnam's leader to court Russia and France in balancing act over maritime disputes
President To Lam will visit Moscow and Paris to rally support for Vietnam's claims in the South China Sea and seek investment for economic development. Analysts say the trip showcases Vietnam's "bamboo diplomacy" by engaging two opposing powers. Vietnam recently protested China's infrastructure activities at disputed reefs.
The trip pairs talks with Vladimir Putin in Moscow with a subsequent meeting in Paris with Emmanuel Macron, alongside participation in an international space gathering. This dual itinerary aims to secure diplomatic backing for Hanoi's territorial position while attracting foreign capital to reach its 2045 economic target.
The diplomatic push follows Vietnam's formal complaints last month regarding Chinese construction and land reclamation at Antelope Reef and Yagong Island. By engaging both Moscow and Paris, which officially stay neutral on the dispute, Lam exemplifies Vietnam's "bamboo diplomacy"—flexibly navigating between rival powers to advance national interests without formal alignment.
This balancing act could reassure Vietnamese citizens that their government is actively defending national claims, while also potentially attracting European and Russian investment crucial for domestic development. However, the strategy may strain relations with Beijing, possibly leading to heightened regional tensions or economic friction. For international observers, Vietnam's approach could serve as a model for smaller states navigating great-power rivalry, though its long-term effectiveness remains uncertain.