COMMENTARIES

US Ambassador to Vietnam, H.E Daniel J. Kritenbrink

23 Feb 2021

The State of Southeast Asia Survey

America’s Soft Power in Vietnam: From Statecraft to Street Rap

Hoang Thi Ha

A recent rap video dropped by the US envoy to Vietnam highlights the resilience of American soft power in Vietnam.

9 Feb 2021

Agent Orange: Vietnam’s ‘Struggle for Justice’ Continues

Phan Xuan Dung

Agent Orange remains a barrier to closer Vietnam-US relations. To lower this barrier, the Biden administration should treat Vietnamese victims the same as American ones.

Cold War Criminal Justice System U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam

30 Nov 2020

Vietnam – US Relations Under the Biden Administration

Le Hong Hiep

Vietnamese should not pine over President Trump’s loss and fret over Joe Biden’s victory too much.

U.S. Foreign Policy U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam

6 Mar 2020

USS Theodore Roosevelt’s Vietnam Visit: Low Key, High Touch

Le Hong Hiep

Hanoi’s decision to host the visit of the USS Theodore Roosevelt underscores its determination to pursue better relations with the US

South China Sea U.S.-Vietnam Relations

2 May 2019

Why does Vietnam Shy Away from Huawei’s 5G Technologies?

Le Hong Hiep

The absence of Huawei from Vietnam's 5G mobile network rollout is rooted in three key reasons: cybersecurity concerns over Chinese equipment, a desire to develop its own high tech industries, and the need to strengthen the country's security and defence ties with the United States.

China U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam

11 Dec 2018

Why did Vietnam Cancel its Defence Engagements with the US?

Le Hong Hiep

Vietnam cancelled the fifteen defence engagement activities scheduled for 2019 with the United States. Whether it will reverse its decision depends on whether the US will waive sanctions on countries buying military equipment from Russia; the future direction of US-China relations, and China's stance in the South China Sea dispute.

Defence U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam

20 Jun 2017

New Tensions in Vietnam – China Relations?

Le Hong Hiep

While Vietnam – China relations have improved significantly with top-level visits and strengthened economic ties, it has also intensified relations with the US and Japan. These developments create new tensions for bilateral relations between Vietnam and China and destabilize the region.

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

30 May 2017

Vietnam’s Continued Balancing Act

Le Hong Hiep

Vietnam has improved its relationship with the US in a bid to walk the fine balance between the US and China. Despite China's challenge to Vietnam in the South China Sea, Hanoi has maintained warm ties with China as a strategic hedge against the ambiguous policy of the US towards Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

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

3 Feb 2017

Vietnam, President Trump and the TPP

Truong-Minh Vu

President Donald Trump's withdrawal of the U.S. from the TPP is a huge loss for Vietnam. To reduce its dependence on the Chinese economy. Vietnam will have to look elsewhere for free trade deals to secure its economy.

Donald Trump TPP U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam