In a notable development for regional security dynamics, Chinese defence firms are set to participate in an international arms fair in Vietnam next month. This unprecedented move signals potential deepening military ties between the two neighbours, despite a history of maritime disputes and lingering tensions.
The Vietnamese Defence Ministry announced on Friday (Nov. 15) that the second edition of the Vietnam International Defence Expo will be held from December 19 to December 22 in Hanoi. The event is aimed at showcasing military hardware, boosting domestic defence production, and diversifying Vietnam’s sources of military procurement, which have historically been dominated by Russian suppliers.
Chinese companies are among the 140 firms from 27 countries slated to showcase their equipment and technologies at the expo, according to Le Ngoc Than, a defence ministry official. This marks the first time Chinese defence firms will attend the event, as no Chinese equipment was exhibited at the inaugural fair in 2022.
The participation of Chinese companies underscores a broader trend of increasing cooperation between the two Communist-led nations. “China’s participation in the Vietnamese military expo is an important sign of new security cooperation between the two countries,” said Nguyen The Phuong, a Vietnam security expert from the University of New South Wales in Australia.
The extent of Chinese involvement remains uncertain, as details about the specific firms or equipment they will present have not been disclosed. However, this move has sparked speculation about the future trajectory of Sino-Vietnamese defence collaboration.
Vietnam and China share a complex relationship characterized by both cooperation and conflict. On one hand, they are close economic partners with shared ideological ties as socialist states. On the other, the two nations have been locked in a protracted dispute over overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea. This maritime rivalry has occasionally led to confrontations, even as the two countries work to manage tensions through diplomacy.
The two nations also fought a brief but bloody border war in 1979, a conflict that continues to shape public perceptions and strategic considerations on both sides. Despite these historical and ongoing challenges, recent months have seen efforts to strengthen defence ties. High-level military visits, joint coast guard patrols in the Gulf of Tonkin, and preliminary agreements on defence industry cooperation suggest a deliberate pivot toward greater collaboration.
Analysts believe that China’s participation in the expo reflects both nations’ strategic interests. For Vietnam, inviting Chinese defence firms may be part of a broader effort to diversify its defence relationships and reduce overreliance on traditional suppliers like Russia. For China, the move could be an opportunity to expand its influence in Southeast Asia and promote its growing defence industry.
Carl Thayer, a senior expert on Vietnam at the Australian Defence Force Academy, noted that any defence agreements between the two nations would likely focus on non-combat areas. “If and when agreement is reached, it will likely be restricted to non-war fighting equipment and capabilities such as logistics, aviation transport, and military medicine,” Thayer said.
However, he cautioned that Vietnam is unlikely to procure major weapons systems from China due to the inherent risks. “Vietnam cannot rely on China for big-ticket military weapons for its army, navy, and air defence-air force because of the risk that China would suspend any agreements and resupply at a time of tensions,” he added.
The expo comes at a time when Vietnam is navigating a rapidly evolving security landscape. As the South China Sea remains a flashpoint for competing territorial claims involving multiple nations, Vietnam has sought to balance its defence strategy by engaging with a diverse array of international partners.
The expo will host companies from countries including the United States, Russia, and France, reflecting Vietnam’s ongoing efforts to cultivate relationships with both Western and traditional allies. Notably, there are also indications that Iranian defence firms might attend, further underscoring the event’s wide-ranging geopolitical significance.
Military expositions such as this often serve as platforms for initiating defence deals and fostering international partnerships. The event provides a venue for Vietnam to explore new technologies and establish ties with global defence players, aligning with its goal of modernizing its military capabilities.
For decades, Vietnam has relied heavily on Russian weaponry, from tanks and fighter jets to submarines and air defence systems. However, recent geopolitical shifts, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Western sanctions on Moscow, have prompted Hanoi to explore alternative suppliers.
The defence expo highlights Vietnam’s ambitions to enhance domestic production capabilities while integrating cutting-edge technologies from a variety of sources. The inclusion of Chinese firms, alongside traditional and Western suppliers, reflects a pragmatic approach to diversifying its defence portfolio.
In addition to external partnerships, Vietnam has been investing in building its indigenous defence industry. By showcasing domestic innovations at the expo, the country aims to position itself as both a buyer and a seller in the global arms market.
