ARTICLES

14 Jul 2025

Caught in the Crossfire: Vietnam and the Chinese Transshipment Dilemma

Le Hong Hiep

Vietnam is caught in the middle as the US seeks to clamp down on China using it as a backdoor into the American market.

8 Jul 2025

Beyond FDI: Vietnam’s Moment for Tech Upgrading

Xu Jingzhi

To move up the technology value chain, Vietnam needs to think beyond foreign direct investment and focus on upgrading domestic capacity.

Foreign Direct Investment Manufacturing Technology Vietnam

4 Jul 2025

US Duties on Southeast Asian Solar Panel Exports: Where the Sun Does Not Shine

Archanun Kohpaiboon

The US has imposed new duties on solar panel imports from four Southeast Asian countries to address unfair Chinese trade practices. The duties will continue to be part of Washington’s arsenal of options.

Antidumping Cambodia China Malaysia Solar Imports Thailand US Vietnam

2 Jul 2025

The ‘First Lady’ Who Redefines Vietnam’s Diplomacy and Politics

Le Hong Hiep

Vietnam’s de facto first lady has blazed a trail which has enhanced Vietnam’s diplomatic overtures and softened her husband’s image.

Ngo Phuong Ly Vietnam

27 Jun 2025

The Vietnam War and US Security Policy on the Asia-Pacific

Daljit Singh

The region’s security architecture is evolving in the wake of the Trump Administration’s pressure tactics on US allies and partners. An articulation of doctrine would be helpful but may not be forthcoming.

U.S. U.S. Foreign Policy Vietnam

26 Jun 2025

Vietnam’s Nuclear Power Revival: Ambition or Overreach?

Nguyen Khac Giang

Vietnam’s renewed ambition of developing nuclear power plants to fuel its industrialisation drive and meet its climate obligations faces several obstacles, including an unrealistic timeline and financial challenges.

Nuclear Power Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

16 Jun 2025

Pulling Hanoi from the Pollution Precipice

Vinod Thomas

Hanoi’s air pollution crisis demands action in emission regulation, waste management, and climate mitigation.

Climate Change Pollution Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

5 Jun 2025

Will Vietnam’s Private Sector Gamble Pay Off?

Nicholas Chapman

Vietnam aims to create private economic groups that hold regional and global significance. It must also combat corruption, support the growth of SMEs and startups, and promote foreign investment spillovers.

Vietnam Vietnamese Economy

5 Jun 2025

Vietnam’s Public Infrastructure Drive: More Haste, Less Speed?

Le Hong Hiep

Vietnam has an ambitious plan for the building of infrastructure. But it needs to be mindful of significant risks such as corruption and subpar construction quality.

Infrastructure Vietnam Vietnamese Economy

3 Jun 2025

Vietnam’s Trump Card: Navigating Growth, Politics, and US Relations

Hoang Thi Ha|Dien Nguyen An Luong

Vietnam’s fast-tracking of a Trump-branded project is a high-stake diplomatic gambit to curry favour with the US president to ameliorate the extent of US tariffs. But the Trump project should also be viewed in the context of Hanoi’s relentless drive to do away with red tape and pro-business strategy.

U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam