How is Vietnam balancing relations between the United States and China?

Vietnam has long maintained a careful balancing act between the US and China. While Vietnam has sided with Washington against Beijing's increasing assertiveness in the contested waters of the South China Sea, it is simultaneously opening doors to Chinese investment in its infrastructure development. As foreign businesses turn their attention to Vietnam, China has strategically mapped a route for greater investment in the country's infrastructure. This approach demonstrates Vietnam's pragmatic foreign policy that seeks to leverage economic opportunities from China while maintaining security alignment with the US in regional maritime disputes.