Russian President Vladimir Putin is making headlines with his state visit to Vietnam following a recent mutual defence pact with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. The strategic treaty signed between Putin and Kim includes a pledge to aid each other if attacked, raising concerns among the US and its allies due to suspicions of North Korea supporting Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
In his first visit to North Korea in 24 years, Putin expressed openness to military-technical cooperation with Kim’s regime despite international sanctions on both countries. The two leaders emphasized their joint opposition to US hegemony and neo-colonial practices, strengthening their historical alliance dating back to World War II.
In Vietnam, where Putin aims to enhance economic and energy ties, the reception is expected to be more cautious amid the nation’s strategy of neutrality in global power conflicts. Despite this, Vietnam remains a potential ally for the US and China, as demonstrated by recent visits from US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
As Putin engages with Vietnamese leaders to discuss trade and defense cooperation, the visit underscores the evolving dynamics of global alliances and geopolitics in Southeast Asia.