Vietnam’s diplomatic dance with the US and China scores high marks

It has been a big week for Vietnam’s diplomacy, as it hosted the Apec summit for a second time. The main attention was on US President Donald Trump’s first multilateral appearance in the Asia-Pacific region. The regional actors anticipated an articulation of the US Asia strategy while, for Vietnam, the big question was whether trade would come between the blossoming Washington-Hanoi relationship.

Since Trump’s election, there have been signs of America’s turn inwards or, as some have put it, abdication of global leadership, including its withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Trump at least proved consistent at the Apec meeting, conveying that he will not let anyone take advantage of America.

Rapprochement with the US has been careful, and not without challenges. But just as momentum for speeding up defence cooperation began under the Obama administration, Trump’s protectionist turn posed new questions. Vietnam engaged Trump, making concessions to encourage a better relationship. In May, Prime Minister Nguyen Xhan Phuc visited Washington, resulting in trade deals to ameliorate the perception of Vietnam taking advantage of America. Trump’s visit to Hanoi brought more commercial gain, with US$12 billion in orders for engines and services for the aviation and energy sectors. Vietnam is now in Trump’s good books.

But, while most attention and anticipation accompanied Trump and the development of US-Vietnam relations, many other lower-profile but relevant deals have been reached. Among them is a strategic partnership with Australia and comprehensive partnership with Canada, plus New Zealand, committed to supporting Vietnamese peacekeeping forces.