ARTICLES

3 Jul 2026

Fast-Tracking “National Rise”: How Vietnam Is Learning from China

Hoang Thi Ha|Pham Thi Phuong Thao

Despite a history of distrust, Vietnam is increasingly drawing lessons from China’s experience of a strong state driving economic transformation.

5 Jun 2026

Beyond Bamboo Diplomacy: Vietnam’s Shrinking Room for Manoeuvre

Nguyen Phuong Linh

Vietnam’s foreign policy has typically been described as bamboo diplomacy. This still holds true, but decision-making is increasingly being constrained by domestic considerations.

China-Vietnam Relations U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

30 Apr 2026

To Lam’s Visit to China: Charting a ‘New Era’ in Sino-Vietnam Ties

Phan Xuan Dung

To Lam’s recent visit to China helps Vietnam to realise its national ambitions. Hanoi is mindful of the risks of such an engagement, which will need to be managed carefully.

China China-Vietnam Relations Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

21 Apr 2026

Piloting Pragmatism: Vietnam’s Aircraft Diplomacy through the COMAC Deal

Hoang Thi Ha

Vietnam’s tilt towards the use of Chinese-made COMAC aircraft represents more a calculated experiment than a strategic pivot.

China China-Vietnam Relations Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

14 Jul 2025

Caught in the Crossfire: Vietnam and the Chinese Transshipment Dilemma

Le Hong Hiep

Vietnam is caught in the middle as the US seeks to clamp down on China using it as a backdoor into the American market.

China China-Vietnam Relations Trade U.S.-Vietnam Relations US Vietnam

17 Apr 2025

Xi’s Visit to Vietnam: It’s Not All About Trump

Hoang Thi Ha

Hanoi’s welcome of the Chinese president amid the global tariff war is a harbinger of steadfast commitment to serving Vietnam’s national interests and development, rather than a picking of sides.

China China-Vietnam Relations Vietnam

26 Nov 2024

Vietnam, China and Rerouting: When Perceptions Matter as Much as Reality

Nguyen Khac Giang

Vietnam’s growing trade surplus with the US strongly suggests that China uses Vietnam as a backdoor to dodge US tariffs. Such rerouting is actually lower than is imagined. Given that perceptions drive politics, Vietnam will likely still be caught in the Trump administration’s sights.

China-U.S. Relations China-Vietnam Relations Vietnam

13 Nov 2024

China’s Increased Investment in Vietnam: Opportunities and Challenges

Le Hong Hiep

Chinese investments in Vietnam have surged. But they bring not only opportunities but also challenges for the latter.

China China-Vietnam Relations Vietnam Vietnamese Economy

23 Aug 2024

Russian President Putin’s Visit to Hanoi: Vietnam’s ‘Bamboo Diplomacy’ In Action

Ian Storey

President Putin’s visit to Vietnam was a qualified success for both countries. The Putin regime was able to show that despite Western efforts to isolate it, Russia is not without friends. By hosting the Russian leader, Vietnam was able to honour an old friend and highlight the merits of its bamboo diplomacy.

China-Vietnam Relations U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam Vietnam-Russia relations