A package could include U.S. F-16 fighter jets and come with special financing terms that could help Hanoi, which is facing tensions with Beijing in the South China Sea, steer away from its reliance on lower-cost Russian-made arms.

Vietnam is also actively in talks with Moscow over a new arms supply deal that could trigger U.S. sanctions, Reuters has reported.

  • cecinestpasunbot@lemmy.mlEnglish
    4·
    10 months ago

    I think in this scenario it actually makes sense for Vietnam to play both sides. China has been investing a ton of money into Vietnam in recent years. I’m sure the Vietnamese would like that to continue. Vietnam would also benefit from promoting itself as an alternative manufacturing base for US capital fleeing China. If they can avoid antagonizing either side in this conflict, they’ll end up being the real winners.