Dr Ha Hoang Hop is an Associate Visiting Senior Fellow at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.

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Ha Hoang Hop

Articles by Ha Hoang Hop (7)

Vietnam Not Veering Closer to United States or China
Lye Liang Fook|Ha Hoang Hop
It is not in Vietnam’s national interest to be overly dependent on China or the United States. Hanoi is expected to continue to press ahead with efforts to build on its ties with the two major powers as part of its multi-directional foreign policy. There are, however, limits to both approaches.

Containing the Covid Scourge in South Vietnam
Ha Hoang Hop|Lye Liang Fook
A number of reasons can account for Vietnam’s latest wave of Covid-19 outbreak. These include the more contagious Delta variant, the initial slow response of the authorities in Ho Chi Minh City, the lack of strict application of Covid-19 safety measures, and the slow pace of vaccination due to a shortage of vaccines.

Vietnam’s State Reshuffles: Subtle Appointments
Ha Hoang Hop|Lye Liang Fook
The 11th plenary session of Vietnam’s 14th National Assembly has largely re-affirmed the outcomes of the 13th Party Congress. There are, however, subtle appointments that are worthy of note.

Vietnam’s Leadership Reshuffles: Breaking from Established Conventions
Ha Hoang Hop|Lye Liang Fook
Vietnam’s 13th National Congress may turn out to be the most memorable in terms of the number of established conventions that are overturned.

Communist Party of Vietnam Leadership Appointments – The Geography Factor
Ha Hoang Hop|Lye Liang Fook
The Communist Party of Vietnam’s upcoming 13th National Congress will see appointments to the country’s highest political offices. To date, the general secretary and prime minister are selected from two different regions. This a top-down practice that nurtures political groups whose members are connected by their geographical origins. There are indications that Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Tran Quoc Vuong, current standing member of the CPV’s Secretariat, are candidates for the position of general secretary. The former is from the Centre (a break from tradition), while the latter is a Northerner.