There have been discussions between Vietnam and the Czech Republic in hopes of giving Vietnam new military equipment such as aircraft, radars and firearms from the Czech Republic. Vietnam hopes that this flow/increase of new equipment will diversify the majority Russian supplies that currently overwhelmingly counts as part of its supplies. The Czech Republic is willing to aid Vietnam with new supplies, especially during its current “growing, security needs” as it disregards Russian supplies (80% of its current military supply) and manufactures new equipment that can withstand Russian forces. Delivery is predetermined to begin sometime during early 2023 if everything goes to plan between the two states..
Vietnam making military efforts to distance itself from Russian association by making a change in military supplies shows how much of an impact the international view of Russia has changed in the eyes of global actors, including close associates and allies. Vietnam and Russia are/were close allies, making it so not only did Vietnam heavily depend on Russia for arms, but also they stood together as supporters of one another through a long history of relations. By taking such steps, it shows how much the war between Russia and Ukraine has altered the view of both countries involved and how other states will conduct relations with each moving forward.
This relates to what we talked about in class because it highlights the shift in relations that can and will happen between states as a result of events or advancements made globally.