ARTICLES

24 Sep 2018

The Sudden Passing of President Tran Dai Quang and Its Implications

Le Hong Hiep

The sudden passing of Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang has created a vacant position without a clear front runner to fill it. Though largely ceremonial, it will have important implications for the country's political system.

Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

5 Jul 2018

Vietnam’s Anti-corruption Campaign: How much is it about Political Infighting?

Le Hong Hiep

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong led the fight against corruption among high-profile politicians and those in the state-owned enterprises (SOE) who are closely associated with former Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung. The anti-corruption campaign is a watershed development that hopes to establish Mr Trong's legacy after he retires in 2021.

25 May 2018

Vietnam under Increasing Pressure from China in the South China Sea

Ian Storey

From beefing up its military presence in the islands near Vietnam to overt attempts at curtailing Vietnam's commercial activities in the South China Sea through the threat of force, Beijing has been ramping up the pressure on Hanoi to coerce Vietnam into compromising its maritime claims in favour of China's interests.

China South China Sea Vietnam

25 Apr 2018

Coming Top Personnel Changes Important for Vietnam’s Political Prospects

Le Hong Hiep

With three Politburo members unable to fulfil their five-year terms due to health or legal issues and one more tipped to be the frontrunner as the next President, the upcoming plenum will be one to watch closely, as the appointment of new members to the Politburo will have important implications for Vietnam's political prospects.

Communist Party of Vietnam Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

6 Apr 2018

What Drives Vietnam’s Public Security Forces Restructuring?

Le Hong Hiep

Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security is embarking on a comprehensive restructuring exercise that will see a leaner and more efficient structure. The restructuring can also be seen as part of Vietnam's ongoing campaign against corruption.

Anti-Corruption 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

31 Aug 2016

Vietnam, ASEAN and the ‘Consensus Dilemma’

Le Hong Hiep

The ASEAN consensus principle constrains Vietnam's efforts to forge a common position among the ASEAN member states on the South China Sea disputes. However, Vietnam and some ASEAN partners can work together to come up with ad hoc mechanisms to address urgent security issues.

ASEAN Vietnam