Vietnam is too important for US to sanction despite Russia ties
Vietnam has avoided any severe US tariffs or sanctions for its dealings with Russia, thanks to its critical role in US plans to counter China
While it has China as its main trade partner and the United States as its primary export destination, Vietnam is strengthening its economic, political and military ties with Russia. The country is carefully balancing its relations with all three powers while trying to get the most economic and strategic benefit from each.
One year later, the two nations signed another series of cooperation documents – from a natural gas sales contract and a nuclear cooperation road map to agreements in education, culture, health and defence – that underscore the deepening bilateral ties between Russia and Vietnam. In June, Hanoi received its first shipment of Russian liquefied natural gas, while Moscow is expected to increase the supply and refining of crude oil for Vietnam.