HANOI

Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proclaimed a message of peace and collaboration as he inaugurated the country's second international arms fair on Thursday, December 19. The expo, taking place at Gia Lam Airport in Hanoi, showcases nearly 250 exhibitors from around the world, including prominent nations such as the United States, China, Russia, Britain, Iran, and Israel.

The prime minister emphasized Vietnam's desire to enhance international defense cooperation to build trust and avert conflicts. He reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to its "four no" policy: Vietnam will not join military alliances, align with one country against another, host foreign military bases, or resort to force in international relations.

In a significant development, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper expressed optimism that American defense companies could collaborate with their Vietnamese counterparts. This could involve joint production and technology transfers in various sectors. Ambassador Knapper stated, “We strive to have our esteemed defense companies working alongside Vietnam, ensuring that the country is equipped to safeguard its interests across land, air, sea, and cyberspace.”

Vietnam's defense strategies have become increasingly pertinent, particularly in light of regional tensions, especially surrounding its contentious maritime boundaries with China in the South China Sea. As a key importer of military equipment—predominantly from Russia—Vietnam has been actively investing in expanding its defense capabilities to navigate this unstable geopolitical landscape.

The expo features several major international defense firms, including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Textron Aviation Defense. Reports suggest that Lockheed Martin is in discussions with Vietnam regarding a potential deal involving military transport aircraft, signaling a flourishing partnership between the two nations in defense matters.

As the expo unfolds, discussions around defense partnerships, technological advancements, and international cooperation are set to play a pivotal role in shaping Vietnam's defense sector as well as its diplomatic relationships. Notably, U.S. defense officials, including Jedidiah Royal, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, indicated that U.S. policies towards the Asia-Pacific region will remain unchanged, regardless of the political landscape in Washington next year.

This arms expo not only highlights Vietnam's proactive stance on defense but also reflects broader global dynamics as nations seek to navigate the complexities of peace, cooperation, and security in an ever-evolving world.