Thayer Consultancy Background Brief:

ABN # 65 648 097 123

European COVID Vaccine
Assistance to Vietnam: National
Interest and Altruism
Carlyle A. Thayer
September 2, 2021
We are currently researching the large numbers of vaccines donated by European
states, as well as through Team Europe-funded COVAX, to Vietnam in recent weeks.
Why has Vietnam been one of the largest recipients of vaccine donations from
European states? Is it simply because of Vietnam's low vaccination rate? Or is part of
a larger geopolitical push by European countries to gain influence and good-standing
from the Vietnamese government?
ANSWER: The answer is mixed. European states, and the European Union, have clearly
identified Southeast Asia as vital for their future economic well-being. ASEAN’s ten
members collectively have overtaken China as the EU’s largest trading partner. In
addition, any instability or armed conflict in the South China Sea would have a
devastating impact on European economies. Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic has
disrupted global supply chains. It is in Europe’s interest to see Vietnam recover from
the current pandemic.
Vietnam is a special case because it has a free trade agreement with the EU and it is
widely perceived as an important state in contributing to regional security and stability
in Southeast Asia. European states already have good relations with the Vietnamese
government. Spain, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and France all have strategic
partnerships with Vietnam. Denmark and Hungary are comprehensive partners. No
doubt diplomatic channels were activated on both sides to discuss Vietnam’s needs.
In addition, many European states, such as the Czech Republic and Poland, are home
to ethnic Vietnamese communities who can be expected to lobby for assistance to
their homeland.

European states likely have a different mix of motivations that combine national
interest and altruism. Providing donations of COVID vaccines to Vietnam is a logical
response to these drivers – national interest and humanitarianism.

Suggested citation: Carlyle A. Thayer, “European COVID Vaccine Assistance to

Vietnam: National Interest and Altruism,” Thayer Consultancy Background Brief,
September 2, 2021. All background briefs are posted on Scribd.com (search for
 2

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Thayer Consultancy provides political analysis of current regional security issues and
other research support to selected clients. Thayer Consultancy was officially
registered as a small business in Australia in 2002.