VIETNAM - CHENLA KINGDOM DEFENSE RELATIONSHIP UNDER THE NGUYEN DYNASTY (1807 - 1820)

Abstract

In the early part of the nineteenth century, the Chenla Kingdom developed as a vital
and decisive role in the Nguyen dynasty's southern border defense strategy in the southwestern
region of Vietnam. A special defense relationship with the Chenla Kingdom was established
and maintained by the Nguyen Kings from Gia Long, all of whom attempted to do so on the
basis of the protectorate policy that Vietnam had established on this country during the course
of the power interaction with Siam. Vietnam and Chenla defense relationship was viewed as
an efficient way to maintain both the peace in Chan Lap and a balance in the Vietnam - Siam
relationship. Vietnam is a key player in that relationship, engaging in a variety of initiatives to
maintain a peaceful space in both Chan Lap and Vietnam. It is the purpose of this essay to shed
light on the defense cooperation between Vietnam and the Chenla Kingdom during the Nguyen
Dynasty under Gia Long (1807-1820).