Involvement of other Countries in the Vietnam War
China
China supported the material and technical needs for the Vietnamese
communists. They even supplied rice to North Vietnam to pull men who are
in their military-age and began a universal draft. They sent free rifles
and guns, as well as anti-aircraft units and engineering battalions that
were used to repair the damages caused by the Western attackers.
South Korea
South Korea had the second-largest contingent of troops in South
Vietnam after the United States. They joined the anti-communist side.
They headed counterinsurgency operations very well that American troops
felt that Korean area of responsibility was the safest. Approximately
320,000 South Korean soldiers were sent to Vietnam each year.
Australia and New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand were close allies of the United States.
They both sent ground troops to Vietnam. Because they are both close to
Asia geographically, they actually thought that the expansion of
communism would threaten their national security if it continues to
spread further within the Southeast Asian Region.
Australia sent advisers to Vietnam initially, followed by combat
troops. They even re-introduced the concept of “conscription,” which
aims to expand its armed forces in the public opposition to the Vietnam
War. In fact, some the members of their armed forces received the four
“Victoria crosses” which was then the highest reward for bravery in the
Commonwealth. New Zealand on the other hand, started by sending
engineers and an artillery battery, which was later followed by large
infantry groups and special forces.
North Korea
In 1967, North Korea sent squadron to North Vietnam to back up the
North Vietnamese 921st and 923rd fighter squadrons who were defending
Hanoi. They also sent at 2 to 5 anti-aircraft artillery regiments and
200 pilots to the war. They also supplied ammunitions and weapons, as
well around 2 million sets of uniforms.
Philippines
Around 11, 000 Filipino troops joined the Vietnam War. Most of them
engaged in medical and other projects aimed to civilian pacification.
They were under the rule of Philippines Civil Affairs Assistance Group.
Canada and the ICC
Canadian representatives of NATO, Indians of non-aligned states and
Polish troops from the Warsaw Pact compromised the International Control
Commission. They were originally tasked to monitor the ceasefire
agreement in 1954. Some Canada locals became part of the U.S. armed
forces during the Vietnam War and even became hosts to 30,000–90,000
Americans who were seeking asylum.
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union are the main suppliers of medical supplies,
anti-aircraft missiles, arms, planes, tanks, artillery, helicopters and
other military equipments for North Vietnam. In 1991, Russian officials
admitted that the Soviet Union had sent up to 3,000 troops in Vietnam
during the war.
Thailand
They were the popular members of the "Queen's Cobra" battalion who
joined the Vietnam War between 1965 and 1971.
Other countries
Spain, Nicaragua and Paraguay also offered to send back-up troops
during the war in support of the United States of America.
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