Vietnam is viewed by Australia as an emerging prominence in the Asia-Pacific region and has substantial influence in ASEAN. As such, there is an impetus to deepen bilateral cooperation for shared strategic interests, regional security and peace. While bilateral relationship have progressed significantly since 1973, the signing of the 2009 Comprehensive Partnership Agreement (CPA) between the two countries further strengthened this relationship. In addition to Australia’s extensive aid package to Vietnam, the CPA enhanced mutual cooperation in the economic, political, people-to-people, security and defence domains. In terms of defence, Vietnam is Australia’s growing defence partner. This was further enhanced with the signing of a Defence Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in October 2010. This MOU provided a framework …show more content…
Vietnam would be focused on greater and holistic integration with the global economy and international community beyond her traditional partners of China and Russia. These efforts are aimed at sustaining Vietnam’s development in lined with their ‘Doi Moi’ economic reform policy, which would in turn ensure regime security. While US is Vietnam’s favoured foreign partner, a stronger Vietnam-US relationship, coupled China’s suspicions on the US strategic pivot towards the Asia-Pacific, would put unnecessary strain on the already tense Vietnam-China relationship. Hence, Vietnam would be seeking stronger ties with middle powers such as Australia to soft-balance China. Recognising these tensions, Vietnam would continue to seek peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law to prevent escalation, miscalculation and minimise the impact on regional stability and security, such as adopting a constructive maritime diplomacy. That said, Vietnam will continue to face regional and global