Vietnam’s Geopolitical Anxiety Over Cambodia’s Funan Techo Canal
Chansambath Bong
Vietnam’s concerns about a China-backed canal project in Cambodia are making some waves. Cambodia’s new leader has a chance to calm the waters.

Chansambath Bong
Vietnam’s concerns about a China-backed canal project in Cambodia are making some waves. Cambodia’s new leader has a chance to calm the waters.
Phan Xuan Dung
Vietnam needs to complement water diplomacy with energy diplomacy to curb the unsustainable exploitation of the Mekong for hydropower. Hanoi should promote the development and cross-country trade of non-hydro renewables, especially wind and solar power.
Nguyen Khac Giang
Vietnam’s anti-corruption drive is appropriate but it has led to an exodus from the public sector. The priority should be to improve the compensation of public servants and better management.
Nguyen Thanh Giang
Locals in Ho Chi Minh City worry that a new government initiative for social listening powered by artificial intelligence would jeopardise their privacy rather than improve public services.
Vinod Thomas
Vietnam’s green growth commitments crucially depend on expanding renewable energy and replacing coal. The country must seize the rich opportunities on hand and manage the transition with a clear plan and effective, corruption-free administration.
Ian Storey
The strengthening of the Russia-China strategic nexus affects Vietnam more than any other Southeast Asian country. Hanoi is concerned that Beijing may use its leverage with Moscow to undermine Vietnam’s interests in the South China Sea.
Le Hong Hiep
Vietnam President Vo Van Thuong will be replaced. The primary task of the country’s leaders now is to find his replacement and steady the keel.
Le Hong Hiep
Southeast Asia’s ride-hailing giant Grab has a new serious competitor in Vietnam. XanhSM, also known as GreenSM in international markets, has rapidly expanded by offering more secure employment and lower costs for drivers, and achieving high client satisfaction. But turning a profit will be challenging.
Nguyen Khac Giang
Labour export yields economic benefits and provides life-changing opportunities for many young Vietnamese. However, Vietnam must craft a long-term strategy that gradually diminishes reliance on labour export, focusing instead on cultivating a competitive domestic labour market.
Ian Storey
Vietnam needs to upgrade its ageing fighter fleet. But it faces a list of less than optimal options.