China concerned about US-Vietnam arms deal.
Former adversaries, the United States and Vietnam, have put aside differences and elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Negotiations are underway for a significant sale of military hardware from the United States to Vietnam. This potential arms agreement has raised serious concerns for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
United States and Vietnam Forge Stronger Ties
Recent news about the U.S.–Vietnam negotiations suggests the Biden administration is considering the largest-ever arms sale between the two nations since their diplomatic relations were established. This could include the sale of F-16 fighter jets to bolster the upgraded partnership between the two countries. The agreement is anticipated to be finalized in 2024.
Preliminary discussions on the arms agreement commenced during President Joe Biden’s visit to Vietnam on Sept. 10. Previously, negotiators held meetings throughout August in Hanoi, New York, and Washington D.C. The specific terms of the agreement have not yet been defined.
Additionally, reports suggest that owing to financial constraints within the Vietnamese government, the United States is contemplating special financing to reduce Vietnam’s reliance on more economical Russian-made weapons.
The United States and Vietnam have not yet officially commented on these reports.
Amid escalating sovereignty disputes with the CCP in the South China Sea, Vietnam urgently requires advanced American weaponry, including F-16 fighter jets, to fortify its maritime defense capabilities.
The majority of Vietnam’s military equipment is sourced from the former Soviet Union and Russia. It is estimated that from 2013 to 2017, Vietnam’s annual military budget surged from $3.8 billion to approximately $4.9 billion, with 80 percent of its weapons being purchased from Russia. Vietnam also depends on Russia for the maintenance of its military equipment.
However, the Ukraine conflict diverted Russia’s weaponry and resources away from Vietnam, making it difficult for the country to acquire additional equipment and spare parts. The conflict also underscored the substantial advantages of NATO military systems worldwide. Therefore, Vietnam considers the acquisition of advanced American weaponry to be a logical move.
In May 2016, the United States announced the complete lifting of its arms sales embargo on Vietnam, marking a pivotal turning point and breakthrough in U.S.–Vietnam relations. Subsequently, the United States gifted two retired “Hamilton” class patrol frigates and over ten “Metal Shark” offshore patrol vessels to Vietnam. Vietnam renumbered the two patrol frigates as CSB8020 and CSB8021 for use by its Coast Guard. Additionally, the United States sold three internationally recognized T-6 turboprop trainer aircraft to Vietnam, along with pilot training and spare parts supply.
Political commentator and media personality Tang Jingyuan, currently residing in the United States, conveyed to The Epoch Times on Sept. 27 that recent news about the U.S.–Vietnam arms negotiations indicates a potential escalation in future military cooperation between the two countries. The F-16 is a comprehensive weapons system that represents a complete upgrade encompassing intelligence, training, data, and language aspects. The U.S. plan to sell F-16 fighter jets to Vietnam would gradually transform that nation’s entire military system from a Soviet model to a NATO model, solidifying a strong bond in the long-term partnership between the two nations.
Vietnam Fills the Last Puzzle Piece of the US Asia-Pacific Strategy
On Sept. 24, the CCP’s Global Times published an article citing authoritative views from the Chinese military, stating that the United States aims to establish another foothold in Southeast Asia through increased conditions, such as the use of Vietnamese air and naval bases, forming a military encirclement in the South China Sea to contain China. The article claimed that Vietnam “will not easily accept” the U.S. proposal.
Mr. Tang said that the comprehensive upgrade of U.S.–Vietnam relations is undoubtedly highly sensitive to the CCP. Vietnam occupies a critical geographic position in Southeast Asia and the South China Sea. If Vietnam aligns militarily with the United States, this implies that along with Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines, this creates strategic containment of China. This is a very untenable situation for the CCP, which has already felt this deterrent, and explains why it is resorting to counteraccusations, insinuating the United States is engaging in a new Cold War and pursuing hegemony. The CCP deliberately avoids mentioning Vietnam because it does not want to push Vietnam closer to the United States.
Vietnam Could Become Another US Foothold Outside the Philippines
Yang Haiping, a prominent overseas Chinese leader in San Francisco who also participated in the Vietnam War, stated in a Sept. 14 NTD “Pinnacle View” program that the United States is now uniting all countries to counter the CCP. Apart from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines, the last piece of the puzzle is Vietnam. It is the most efficient and final piece in the containment of the CCP. Biden’s visit to Vietnam filled the last piece of the Asia-Pacific strategy.
The upgrade from former adversaries to a partner combating the CCP marks a significant strategic shift in U.S.–Vietnam relations.
The Vietnam War Was a Conflict Against the CCP
Yang Haiping, a Chinese-American veteran who fought in Vietnam, shed light on the involvement of multiple parties. He told The Epoch Times: “It was expected that Soviet advisors and engineers would participate in the Vietnam War, but as the war escalated, it was discovered that they were fighting alongside the Chinese Communist Army. The senior and mid-level officers of the North Vietnamese Army were all Chinese Communist officers, and their weapons, food, and more were all provided by the CCP. Over 300,000 Chinese Communist troops fought in Vietnam while dressed as North Vietnamese soldiers.”
The involvement of the CCP is further elucidated in Volume II (1949-1978) of the History of the Chinese Communist Party, which documents the CCP’s engineering support and military personnel in Vietnam. The CCP provided substantial support, including anti-aircraft combat units and logistical aid, “totaling over 320,000 personnel,” underlining the depth of its involvement during the war.
The CCP set up seventeen aviation schools at the Xiangyun Airport in Yunnan to help Vietnam train high-level pilots. Vietnam’s former Defense Minister, Lieutenant General Chen Xiang, was one of them.
The CCP logistical support units were responsible for transporting aid materials for Vietnam from China and other communist countries such as the Soviet Union, North Korea, and Mongolia. The CCP also provided a large number of field hospitals, supply stations, warehouses, as well as various military supplies.
The CCP–Vietnam Relationship
During the honeymoon period between the CCP and the Vietnamese Communist Party (VCP), the CCP provided whatever the VCP demanded. In 1971 alone, the CCP signed seven free assistance agreements with the VCP, equivalent to about $1.6 billion. From 1971 to 1973, while China–U.S. relations improved and reconciled, the CCP provided the most assistance to the VCP, with assistance agreement amounts reaching approximately $4 billion. In the later time, the adverse effects of the CCP’s Cultural Revolution on the economy became evident, and it was unable to meet the increasing demands of the VCP.
As a result of the CCP’s fallout with the Soviet Communist Party, China–U.S. relations began to connect due to shared interests in opposing the Soviet Union. Former President Richard Nixon visited Beijing on Feb. 21, 1972, marking an improvement in bilateral relations.
In January 1973, the United States and Vietnam’s three governments signed the Paris Peace Accords. Within the following two months, all U.S. troops stationed in Vietnam were withdrawn, leaving only small forces such as embassy guards. In August 1973, all Chinese communist combat troops aiding Vietnam returned home.
In an effort to gain the favor of the Vietnamese Communist Party (VCP), the Soviet Union began providing substantial and unconditional aid to the VCP, including military supplies, starting in 1971. This aid surpassed what China was offering. The VCP was unhappy with China’s withdrawal of support and viewed the improvement in Sino-American relations as the CCP “betraying the revolution.” As a result, they fully turned toward the Soviet Union.
In 1974, North Vietnam (controlled by the VCP) began its offensive against the South Vietnamese government. The United States abandoned its efforts to assist South Vietnam and instead evacuated the remaining American troops and refugees. In 1975, Vietnam was unified under VCP control.
Mr. Tang asserts that Vietnam’s trajectory toward the West stems from historical and geopolitical considerations. The simmering territorial disputes with the CCP in the South China Sea and the fallout resulting from Vietnam’s opposition to the Khmer Rouge regime played pivotal roles in Vietnam’s diplomatic orientation toward the United States.
As to the future, he anticipates that Vietnam will continue to maintain economic relations with China while fostering closer diplomatic and military ties with the United States.
What are the implications of Vietnam diversifying its defense arsenal with advanced American military systems in terms of safeguarding its national sovereignty and interests
Rts support.
The potential arms agreement between the United States and Vietnam has caused alarm for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). China has been asserting its territorial claims in the South China Sea and has been involved in numerous conflicts with neighboring countries, including Vietnam. The sale of advanced American weaponry to Vietnam would significantly bolster Vietnam’s defense capabilities and its ability to counter Chinese aggression.
China has always viewed Vietnam as a strategic adversary and has been cautious of any moves that could strengthen Vietnam’s military. The potential sale of F-16 fighter jets and other advanced weaponry to Vietnam would not only enhance Vietnam’s defense capabilities but also send a clear message to China that the United States stands in support of its allies in the region.
While the United States has been expanding its military presence in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly with the establishment of military bases in Guam and the Philippines, the potential arms sale to Vietnam would further solidify its commitment to regional security and stability.
For Vietnam, the acquisition of advanced American weaponry is crucial in addressing its defense needs. As China continues to assert its dominance in the South China Sea, Vietnam has been seeking ways to modernize its military and reduce its reliance on Russian-made weapons. By diversifying its defense arsenal and incorporating advanced American military systems, Vietnam would be better equipped to safeguard its national sovereignty and interests.
Furthermore, the potential arms agreement signifies a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between the United States and Vietnam. From former adversaries, the two nations have embarked on a path of cooperation and mutual support. The lifting of the arms embargo in 2016 and subsequent military assistance provided by the United States have demonstrated the commitment of both countries to foster a comprehensive strategic partnership.
However, it is important to note that the potential arms agreement between the United States and Vietnam is still subject to negotiations and finalization. The specific details of the agreement, including the types and quantities of weapons to be sold, have not been disclosed. It is essential for both countries to ensure transparency and adherence to international laws in their arms trade.
The potential arms sale from the United States to Vietnam is a significant development in the regional security landscape of the Indo-Pacific. It highlights the growing importance of collaboration and mutual support among countries in the face of increasing geopolitical tensions. Ultimately, the aim is to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
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