Mr Lye Liang Fook, a former Senior Fellow at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, is an independent observer of regional developments.

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Lye Liang Fook

Articles by Lye Liang Fook (15)

China’s “Model” Relationship with Southeast Asia: Significance and Limitations
Lye Liang Fook
China’s “model” relationship with Southeast Asia has the effect of constraining the foreign policy options of these countries by prescribing the elements it would like to see in the relationship. A more realistic approach is for countries to grow their ties based on each country’s national interests.

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.