US Rallies Allies on Tech and Semiconductors, Demands Greater Burden-Sharing

The United States is broadening its strategic focus, moving beyond traditional security alliances to incorporate science, technology, and semiconductors into its global coalition-building efforts. Simultaneously, Washington is increasing pressure on its allies to contribute more significantly to both defense spending and economic initiatives. This evolving approach was a central theme at a national seminar on U.S. alliance strategies from 2017 to the present and their global implications.

Experts and scientists participating in the seminar, organized by the Institute of European and American Studies under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, analyzed the theoretical and practical aspects of U.S. alliance formation across recent administrations. While the overarching goal of containing China has remained constant, the methods employed by Washington have undergone fundamental changes. The U.S. is shifting away from traditional alliances based on shared values towards more flexible arrangements.

This transition is evident in the move from bilateral, transactional approaches under the Trump administration to overlapping, multi-layered networks like QUAD and AUKUS during the Biden era. Consequently, U.S. security commitments are increasingly tied to the specific contributions of individual allies and partners. The great power competition has expanded from conventional security concerns into high-tech sectors and semiconductors, prompting a global restructuring of supply chains. This presents both opportunities and pressures for middle-tier nations, including Vietnam and Southeast Asia, to "choose sides."

Dr. Nguyễn Tăng Nghị, head of the Department of History and International Relations at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, noted that the transactional trend in alliance building, demanding greater burden-sharing from allies, is likely to persist regardless of the U.S. presidential party. He highlighted Vietnam's risk-prevention strategy over the past decade as effective, providing space to adjust policies amid the U.S.-China competition. Regarding technology, Nghị affirmed Vietnam's proactive stance in developing strategies for semiconductors and AI, aiming to leverage strengths from both the U.S. and China, particularly the U.S., to foster domestic technological development.