US Aircraft Carrier Ronald Reagan Arrives in Vietnam Amid Growing Ties and Regional Concerns

Aircraft Carrier Ronal Reagan
Image Credit: Google

The United States' aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan has made a port call in Danang, central Vietnam, following recent tensions over Chinese vessels in Vietnamese waters.

The visit comes as the US and Vietnam seek to strengthen their ties, a decade after signing a “comprehensive partnership” agreement, driven by shared trade interests and concerns about China's regional influence.

Dispute Over Chinese Vessels in Vietnamese Waters:

Vietnam's foreign ministry lodged a protest after Chinese survey vessels, coast guard ships, and fishing boats operated in its exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea.

China's expansive territorial claims, including the controversial nine-dash line, have sparked disputes with Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.

Despite a 2016 international court ruling dismissing the legal basis of the nine-dash line, China has continued its assertive actions in the region.

Nguyen The Phuong, a PhD candidate in maritime security at the University of New South Wales Canberra, was quoted by the AFP news agency as saying “The visit gives that message that Vietnam is continuing to balance against China by improving its security relationship with the US, and with other outside powers,”

Vietnam's Security Alignment with the US:

Experts suggest that the visit of the USS Ronald Reagan signifies Vietnam's efforts to balance against China by strengthening its security relationship with the United States and other external powers.

Nguyen The Phuong, a maritime security PhD candidate, highlighted Vietnam's intention to maintain a delicate balance and enhance security cooperation with the US to counter China's influence. 

Strategic Importance of the Port Call:

The arrival of the nuclear-powered USS Ronald Reagan marks only the third visit by a US aircraft carrier since the Vietnam War.

This follows recent port calls by Indian naval ships in Danang and Japan's largest warship in Cam Ranh.

The presence of the USS Ronald Reagan in Danang until June 30 demonstrates the significance of strong bilateral ties between the US and Vietnam for Washington's regional dominance. 

US Intentions and Diplomatic Upgrades:

The United States aims to establish a trusted and reliable partnership with Vietnam, and the port call of one of their most formidable naval assets signifies their commitment.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Hanoi in April emphasized the desire to upgrade diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The visits of US aircraft carriers, including the USS Carl Vinson in 2018 and the USS Theodore Roosevelt in 2020, mark significant milestones in the US-Vietnam relationship. 

(Courtesy: Al-Jazeera)