General Vo Tien Trung: Should not buy weapons, only buy American vehicles

Senior Lieutenant General Vo Tien Trung, former director of the National Defense Academy, said that means such as reconnaissance aircraft and American patrol ships are more suitable for the characteristics of the Vietnamese army, while high-tech weapons need to be carefully considered.

Senior Lieutenant General Vo Tien Trung: "It is our right to buy weapons from whom Vietnam buys them." Photo: Tung Dinh.

Senior Lieutenant General Vo Tien Trung, former director of the National Defense Academy, spoke with VnExpress about the significance of US President Obama's recent visit and some US weapons and vehicles that Vietnam could consider purchasing.

- What is the General's assessment of the decision to completely lift the embargo on lethal weapons to Vietnam during Mr. Obama's recent visit?

- President Obama's visit to Vietnam is late, but we often say "something is better than nothing". The Americans' pivot to Asia-Pacific is of course for their own benefit. Vietnam has sensitive geopolitics, prestige in the international arena, especially prestige with ASEAN. The US cannot ignore Vietnam in its foreign relations.

Having followed the bilateral relations and the national security situation for many years, I was not surprised by Mr. Obama's statement, but regretfully the Americans did it too late. Lifting the arms embargo is only a diplomatic estimate, to affirm that the Vietnam - US relationship has developed to a new height - a comprehensive partnership. Vietnam has proven and been recognized by the world that its national defense is built on the basis of self-defense. Vietnam does not buy American weapons to threaten a third country, or to threaten the US itself or its allies.

- How are US weapons and equipment systems suitable for Vietnam's military doctrine, strategy and defense goals?

- I would like to make it clear that Vietnam buys weapons only to protect its legitimate sovereignty. Vietnam's right to buy weapons from whomever it wants. We buy weapons not to fight China or any other country but for self-defense.

Personally, I think it will be difficult for Vietnam to buy American offensive weapons, for one reason: they are very expensive. We can produce infantry weapons, so why buy them?

We may buy high-tech weapons, but this is a double-edged sword.I believe that high-tech weapons of the US will only attack countries that the US wants, not a country that the US supports. How can we trust that the US will not provide secret weapons software technology to their allies, so that they can neutralize the enemy in combat?

The goal we are aiming for is still to develop defense technology, self-produce, buy technology and buy modern weapons from traditional countries. These weapons are suitable for the climate, usability and experience of our army. I will take Russian weapons as an example, it is very difficult to synchronize with American weapons. In combat, just one unstable link in the system will lead to many consequences.

- What kind of weapons do you predict we can buy from the US?

- I think we might consider buying equipment that does not affect the interaction of weapons systems, such as reconnaissance aircraft, patrol boats, aircraft, rescue and salvage ships. These are not weapons but means. Of course, the leaders of the Ministry of Defense and the Government will have considerations.

- What do you predict about the possibility of the US appearing at Cam Ranh port?

- Cam Ranh port area is divided into two parts. The military port part is top secret, not allowing any country to enter, whether it is the US or traditional partner countries. As for the international port part outside, we have been building and developing it to serve the logistics for naval ships and civilian ships of other countries when they need our help. Right now, if an American ship breaks down and needs supplies, they can enter the international port area.

- Mr. Obama said this is the time for Vietnam - US relations to develop further, what is your comment on this?

- I think Mr. Obama is right, because the world trend is integration and normalization of relations. Almost every country wants other countries to become beneficial partners for them. Vietnam attaches even more importance to this. Normalizing relations with a big country like the US and other big countries, even with former enemies, not only meets Vietnam's own interests, but also benefits the region and the world.

US President Barack Obama speaks at the National Convention Center, Hanoi, May 24. Photo: Reuters.

In his speech, Mr. Obama said"Vietnam is always under threat from big countries" and wars, regardless of who wins or loses, regardless of the goal, "Hanoi and Washington both see losses". This shows that Mr. Obama has somewhat acknowledged that the US military caused losses to the Vietnamese army and people in both the North and South. I think in the future 5 years, 10 years, and maybe longer, there will be a US president who will realize and apologize to the Vietnamese people.

If the US presidents understand this and truly trust Vietnam, the relationship between the two countries will be better. That will come when the US truly recognizes and respects Vietnam's political system. This is much more important than just recognizing on paper. Vietnam and the US can be friends if they come from sincerity. There can be no confrontation between two nations if they understand and respect each other. A good Vietnam-US relationship is beneficial for the two countries, the region and the world.

- What is your assessment of Mr. Obama's statement that the US supports Vietnam in resolving disputes in the East Sea according to international law?

- I welcome Mr. Obama's statement. Vietnam has long advocated resolving all disputes through peaceful negotiations, in compliance with international law, and not using or threatening to use force.

The Americans also have their own interests in the South China Sea, because this is the busiest maritime trade route in the world. Whether it is the US, Russia, India, Japan, Australia or any other country coming to the South China Sea to protect maritime security and safety in accordance with international law, we support them.

According to VNE