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September 10, 2025

U.S.-Vietnam relations and the Indo-Pacific Framework: Recalibrating hedging strategies through deepening cooperation in an emerging region

Key Points

Vietnam continues to pursue its hedging strategy towards China while enhancing security cooperation with the U.S.
Recent changes in the security environment have prompted shifts in U.S.-Vietnam relations and cooperation.
The study explores the implications of Vietnam's foreign policy adjustments amid rising competition in the Indo-Pacific.
Effective multilateralization of U.S.-Vietnam relations may provide a framework for managing security challenges.

Abstract

Since the launch of reform policy ‘Doi Moi’ (Renovation) in 1986, Vietnam has been pursuing a foreign policy that focuses on multilateralization and diversification of its relations with great powers, including the United States of America (U.S.), and a hedging strategy towards China. As a result, U.S.-Vietnam relations have undergone a general transformation with extensive cooperation in trade, diplomacy and security. However, recent changes in the external security environment, such as the reemergence of China as dominant regional power and the U.S.’ Indo-Pacific Strategy response, Vietnam may be required to recalibrate its hedging strategy towards China, in turn leading to changes in relations with the U.S. This paper investigates possible changes in Vietnam-U.S. relations in the Indo-Pacific Strategy as it tries to adjust to the intensifying competition between great powers in the region. This paper finds that in the foreseeable future, Vietnam will continue to pursue its hedging strategy towards China with an enhanced focus on soft balancing and more active security cooperation with the U.S.

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