Putin vows to boost Russian military supplies to Vietnam amid South China Sea dispute
The Russian president promises to expand arms supplies in a gesture certain to raise tensions with China amid maritime disputes
Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to expand military supplies to Vietnam, a move that looks set to raise concerns from Beijing as tensions over the South China Sea linger.
In the latest sign of deepening military ties between the former allies, Putin made the announcement yesterday during a one-day state visit to Vietnam.
Russia has been the biggest supporter of Vietnam in the South China Sea
While still in a headlock with Vietnam over maritime territorial disputes, China sees closer Russia and Vietnam military ties as a move to counterbalance its rising power in the region.
Beijing is likely to be closely watching any discussion on future military co-operation between Russia and Vietnam during Putin's visit, according to Zhang Mingliang , an expert on China's relations with Southeast Asian countries from Guangzhou's Jinan University.
"Russia has been the biggest supporter of Vietnam in the South China Sea," said Zhang, citing submarine deals and a Russian oil company's presence in Vietnam's claimed waters.
One key area of scrutiny, Zhang said, would be any possible co-operation between the two countries in the Cam Ranh Bay, a strategically important naval base in the south central coast of Vietnam. Russia will reportedly provide technicians to help Vietnam prepare the base.
Russia has been Vietnam's biggest weapons supplier. Last week, Russia handed over the first of six Kilo diesel-electric submarines to Vietnam. Military analysts say the vessels would significantly boost Vietnam's efforts to create a deterrent against China's naval power.