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.

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.
Dien Nguyen An Luong
Vietnam is seeking to project a coherent image of To Lam as a revered leader, but this is done short of venturing into personality cult territory.
Bao Tan-Hoang Nguyen
How can Vietnam design a successful system to combat flooding?
Nguyen Khac Giang|Le Hong Hiep
Vietnam has a chance to prevent a potential disaster in Cuba, given its unique position.
Eugene R.L. Tan|Hoang Thi Ha
This Long Read reports the findings of an online survey on perceptions of Chinese-built infrastructure in Southeast Asia. It reflects both the tangible benefits of these projects and broader considerations shaping regional views of China as an infrastructure development partner.
Tuan Ho
Vietnam’s new prime minister needs to disburse idle public funds. His previous role helming the Communist Party’s personnel system should help him galvanise officials who prioritise an overly cautious approach over rapid progress.
Nguyen Khac Giang
To Lam’s regional tour of Southeast Asia shows that Hanoi is shifting to a posture of shaping the rules of the game, rather than merely seeking to mitigate the risks of a fluid strategic environment.
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.
Nguyen Khac Giang
This Long Read assesses one of Vietnam’s most consequential leadership transitions in decades, following the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) in January 2026 and the 16th National Assembly elections in March 2026.
Le Hong Hiep
To Lam, Vietnam’s top leader, will be speaking at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue later this week. His keynote will likely mark a high point in Hanoi’s foreign policy this year.