Mr Lye Liang Fook is an independent observer of regional developments. He was formerly a Senior Fellow at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.
His research focus covers China’s foreign policy towards Southeast Asia, China’s Belt and Road Initiative, China-Singapore relations, Vietnam’s foreign policy and key political developments in Vietnam. His publications have appeared in Routledge, Eastern Universities Press, ISEAS Publishing, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Publishing and World Scientific Publishing, the International Relations of the Asia Pacific, Journal of Chinese Political Science, Copenhagen Journal of Asian Studies and China: An International Journal. He was previously a Research Fellow and Assistant Director at the East Asian Institute of the National University of Singapore.
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.
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.
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.
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.
