Destroyer Marshal Shaposhnikov (L), corvette Gremyashchy and oil products tanker Pechenga docks at Cam Ranh port in Khanh Hoa Province, June 25, 2022. Photo by People's Army Newspaper

 

We reported this week that three ships of the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet have completed their three-day visit to Vietnam's central Khanh Hoa Province on Tuesday.

 

Destroyer Marshal Shaposhnikov, corvette Gremyashchy and oil tanker Pechenga led by Colonel Alexey Anciferov had docked at the strategic naval base at Cam Ranh Bay in Khanh Hoa from June 25 to 28.

Russia is a current ally of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

 

The Soviet Union was one of the first countries in the world to recognize and formally establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam, laying the foundations for strong and cooperative friendship between the two countries.

 

However, is this really the correct move for Vietnam to be inviting Russian warships to visit when there is so much tension globally due to the Russian Ukraine conflict?

 

Russia’s war in Ukraine has put many countries in a tough spot, pitting them between maintaining healthy ties with Moscow and supporting Western punitive measures.

 

One such nation is Vietnam.

 

Despite their close cooperation on military affairs, Vietnam and Russia have been drifting apart for decades.

 

The primary impetus for their cooperation during the Cold War—countering China—is no longer applicable to their partnership.

 

Russia’s positions on the South China Sea disputes and Mekong River issues also do not align with Vietnam’s strategic interests.

 

Much to the chagrin of the West, Vietnam’s “comprehensive strategic partnership” with Russia is likely to persist due to Hanoi’s reliance on Russian arms, bureaucratic momentum, the China factor, and shared ideology.

 

Vietnam will try to weather the Russia storm and preserve ties with both Moscow and Washington, as well as other Western nations.

 

Even played football together!!!

 

Unbelievably during their stay, it was reported that the Russian officers and crew members actually played sports with their Vietnamese counterparts at the High Command of Region 4 of the Vietnam People's Navy, which oversees the waters off the central coast.

 

They also visited several cultural and historic sites in Nha Trang.

 

Wow let’s invite the Russians for a holiday too!!!

 

Destroyer Marshal Shaposhnikov belongs to the Soviet designation Project 1155 Fregat and Russian designation Project 11551 Fregat-M, which are a series of anti-submarine guided-missile destroyers built for the Soviet Navy, seven of which are currently in service with the Russian Navy.

 

The ship is armed with an A-190 Arsenal naval gun and eight launchers for either Kalibr, Oniks or Zircon anti-ship/cruise missiles, and two anti-submarine torpedoes.

 

The Redut VLS system with sixteen launchers is placed on its stern.

 

Not the sort of ship you take on holiday for sure.

 

For now, the best that the West can do is consistently note their concerns and the likely implications that refusing to condemn or punish Russia might have on Vietnam’s own security.

 

No amount of poking or prodding by outside powers will be successful or be appreciated in Hanoi.

 

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Why would any time be better or worst.   

 

They are constantly in the area, on the move.  Pit stop for supplies, fuel, bit of shore leave, spend some money.  It's a beautiful world.

 

That it's a news item, is the only concern.  Who cares ?

Edited June 30, 20224 yr by KhunLA