Part 9/10:
Vietnam's rapid island constructions, military diplomacy, and clandestine efforts paint a picture of a country preparing for the possibility of war but cautious about fully committing. Its actions affirm a desire to safeguard its territorial integrity and regional influence without provoking Beijing excessively. Nevertheless, the underlying tension remains: in a confrontation between the U.S. and China, Vietnam's true stance—whether to support or oppose either side—remains an open and critical question for regional stability.