NEW DELHI: Vietnam’s General Secretary and President To Lam is visiting Russia and France this week as Hanoi seeks to strengthen ties with major global powers while maintaining its strategic independence amid continuing tensions in the South China Sea.

To Lam began his trip to Russia on September 7 at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin, before travelling to France for an official visit and the International Space Summit in Paris. The visit runs from September 7 to 12.

The Moscow leg is expected to focus on political trust, energy, defence and security cooperation. Russia remains an important defence partner for Vietnam and is also involved in energy projects in the South China Sea, including gas projects in waters claimed by China.

In France, To Lam is expected to discuss cooperation in areas including space, infrastructure, defence and technology, with French companies also showing interest in major Vietnamese railway and airport projects.

Analysts see the back-to-back visits as part of Hanoi’s broader strategy of diversifying strategic partnerships without aligning exclusively with any major power. By engaging both Russia and France, Vietnam can strengthen diplomatic and economic support while maintaining flexibility over its maritime position in the South China Sea.

The diplomatic outreach comes as regional security concerns remain elevated. Vietnam has been seeking stronger international cooperation on freedom of navigation, maritime security and respect for international law, while avoiding direct alignment in the growing strategic competition between China and Western powers.

To Lam is also expected to travel to the United States later this month for the UN General Assembly, followed by a visit to Canada, underscoring Hanoi’s wider effort to deepen relations with partners across different geopolitical blocs.