ARTICLES

27 Jul 2026

Quietly, not Silently: How Vietnam Deals with China on the South China Sea

Huynh Trung Dung

Vietnam did not sign the joint statement on the Tribunal Award invalidating China’s claims on the South China Sea. Hanoi’s consistent "speak less, do more" approach combines public restraint with a range of quieter policy tools.

22 Jul 2026

Vietnam’s Ambition for Double-Digit Growth: Rationale and Challenges

Ho Quoc Tuan

Vietnam sees double-digit growth in 2026 and beyond as a political imperative. To achieve this, the government needs to adopt an economic model that aggressively leverages domestic stimulus while managing inflation and asset prices.

Economy Vietnam Vietnamese Economy

13 Jul 2026

From Exporting Workers to Importing Them: Vietnam’s New Labour Reality

Le Hong Hiep

Vietnam is transitioning from being a source of labour exports to an economy that imports unskilled foreign workers. This is becoming a long-term trend.

Economy Labour Market Vietnam

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.

China-Vietnam Relations Economic Development Vietnam Vietnamese Economy

24 Jun 2026

How Vietnam Is Personalising To Lam Without Building a Personality Cult

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.

Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

23 Jun 2026

Why Vietnam Needs Both Concrete and Nature to Fight Floods

Bao Tan-Hoang Nguyen

How can Vietnam design a successful system to combat flooding?

Climate Change Environment Vietnam

17 Jun 2026

Havana in the Crossfire, Hanoi in a Bind

Nguyen Khac Giang|Le Hong Hiep

Vietnam has a chance to prevent a potential disaster in Cuba, given its unique position.

US Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

12 Jun 2026

How Southeast Asians Experience Chinese-Built Infrastructure

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.

Cambodia China Indonesia Infrastructure Laos Survey Vietnam

9 Jun 2026

Unleashing Officials, Unlocking Funds: PM Le Minh Hung Confronts Vietnam’s Economic Challenges

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.

Vietnam Vietnamese Economy Vietnamese Politics

9 Jun 2026

To Lam’s Regional Tour: From Hedger to Shaper

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.

ASEAN Security Vietnam Vietnamese Politics