Vietnam to Showcase a Military Eager to Revamp Soviet-Era Image

The Vietnamese government is hosting a military exhibition this week to showcase its efforts to modernize its armed forces and defense industry. The event aims to present Vietnam's military as moving away from its Soviet-era image and towards self-reliance. Despite China's high-profile military parade, Vietnam is determined to highlight its own defense capabilities and technological advancements. The exhibition will feature various military equipment, weapons, and technologies developed by Vietnamese companies, emphasizing the country's desire to reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers. The event is seen as a strategic move by Vietnam to assert its regional influence and demonstrate its growing military prowess. It also coincides with the country's efforts to strengthen its defense partnerships and diversify its security relationships, particularly in the face of ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea.