Xi Jinping Visits Vietnam Following Strengthened Ties with the U.S. and Japan

 

Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrived in Vietnam on Tuesday, aiming to enhance the already strong ties between China and the Southeast Asian nation. This visit comes just weeks after Vietnam elevated its diplomatic relations with Western-aligned countries.

During his first visit since 2017, Xi Jinping is scheduled to meet with key Vietnamese leaders, including Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Vo Van Thuong, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, according to Vietnam's Foreign Ministry. Observers suggest that the visit underscores Beijing's concerns about Vietnam's recent diplomatic strides with Western nations, fearing the possibility of Vietnam joining an anti-China alliance.

The red carpet welcome extended to the Chinese leader by Prime Minister Chinh reflects the significance of the visit. At the airport, a crowd of Chinese and Vietnamese nationals gathered, waving flags of both nations to welcome Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan.

Xi's visit commemorates 15 years of China being recognized as a "comprehensive strategic partner" of Vietnam, the highest official designation for diplomatic relationships. Vietnam holds increasing importance in the security and economy of Southeast Asia, playing a pivotal strategic role.

While ideologically aligned with Beijing as a Communist-led nation, Vietnam has recently signaled closer ties with Western countries. In September, U.S. President Joe Biden visited Vietnam, elevating the U.S. to the same diplomatic status as China. The move was emphasized as not aimed at countering China, although the U.S. has been actively enhancing defense ties across Asia and the Pacific.

In November, Japan and Vietnam strengthened economic and security ties, aligning with the "free and open Indo-Pacific" concept. Japan was granted the same diplomatic status as China and the U.S., becoming Vietnam's third-largest foreign investor.

Experts suggest that Vietnam is strategically balancing its relationships, including hedging against its large neighbor China and its territorial claims. Flexibility and a balanced approach in dealing with major powers are apparent in Vietnam's diplomatic maneuvers.

Vietnam has clashed with China in the disputed South China Sea, particularly over the Spratlys and Paracel Islands. While facing off with China's coast guard, Vietnam often keeps such confrontations out of the public eye.

Xi Jinping and the Vietnamese president discussed the need to continue developing their "traditional friendship" amid changing international landscapes. Vietnam is expected to sign infrastructure agreements with China during this visit, with a focus on projects similar to the Chinese-built high-speed rail in Laos.

China remains Vietnam's largest trading partner, with a bilateral trade turnover of $175.6 billion in 2022. However, Vietnam's imports from China, crucial for its manufacturing sector, create a trade deficit. Despite the deficit, China has made significant investments in Vietnam, with over $26 billion invested in more than 4,000 active projects.

Xi Jinping's last visit to Vietnam in 2017 was for an Asia-Pacific economic summit in the coastal city of Danang.