China-Vietnam Relations
Politics
Bamboo diplomacy no more? Vietnam’s growing comfort with China
Amid the complex dynamics of China-Vietnam relations, the balancing act between strategic autonomy and economic dependence is becoming increasingly precarious. Academic Alexander L. Vuving explains why.
Alexander L. Vuving
23 Apr 2026
Economy
Can Trump reroute Asia’s trade?
US President Donald Trump is clearly focused on Southeast Asian nations reducing reliance on Chinese supply chains. Vietnam’s transshipment clause and Indonesia’s hefty purchase commitments signal a broader US aim to reshape regional trade dynamics and possibly isolate China economically, but that will be easier said than done, says economist Alicia García Herrero.
Alicia García Herrero
22 Jul 2025
Economy
The US–Vietnam deal: A paper tiger for China?
Despite changing scenarios and China taking a hit from tariffs on goods produced in third countries, EAI senior research fellow Bo Chen thinks that the impact on Chinese producers would still be rather insignificant unless US-China trade negotiation fails and the trade war escalates again.
Bo Chen
15 Jul 2025
Economy
[Big read] Durians, tea and livestreams: Can rural China power its 2035 modernisation dream?
Durians and livestreaming are boosting China’s rural economy, but can border trade compete with established hubs? Experts weigh in on the challenges of revitalising remote areas, from corruption to talent drain, as China aims for modernisation by 2035. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Sim Tze Wei reports from Malipo county on the China-Vietnam border.
Sim Tze Wei
04 Jun 2025
Politics
Embracing Xi’s ‘Asian family’ while keeping US ties: Southeast Asia’s tightrope
Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia on his first overseas trip in 2025. His visit showed that China wants to work more closely with Southeast Asia to strengthen ties and weather the negative impact of Trump’s tariffs, says ISEAS researcher Lye Liang Fook. While Southeast Asia as a whole is prepared to engage China more, they still see value in having the US as a key partner.
Lye Liang Fook
22 Apr 2025
Economy
Trump’s shadow looms: Vietnam tightens scrutiny on Chinese enterprises
Vietnam has long been the preferred manufacturing destination for Chinese companies seeking to avoid US tariffs. Trump’s recent threats to impose tariffs on Vietnam, however, have thrown a wrench into this arrangement. Lawyer and commentator Cui Shu tells us more about how Vietnam and Chinese enterprises are handling the situation.
Cui Shu
18 Mar 2025
Politics
China and Southeast Asia: Chinese President Xi Jinping’s possible visits in 2025
In the year ahead, says ISEAS researcher Lye Liang Fook, China’s focus on strengthening ties with Southeast Asia looks set to continue or may even be stepped up especially with more turbulence in the US-China relationship expected on the horizon.
Lye Liang Fook
09 Jan 2025
Politics
Courting China, balancing Vietnam: Cambodia exits Development Triangle Area
Cambodia commentator Rim Sokvy says that with Cambodia’s withdrawal from the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area making Vietnam uncomfortable, Cambodia may move even closer to China, seeking the latter’s security guarantee.
Sokvy Rim
11 Nov 2024
Politics
To Lam’s visit: China set to acknowledge goodwill from Vietnam’s new leader
Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan notes that the visit to China by Vietnamese President To Lam is intended to show goodwill and the importance of China to Vietnam. On its part, China is responding with courtesy and friendliness.
Yu Zeyuan
19 Aug 2024
Politics
Will the passing of Vietnamese leader Nguyen Phu Trong affect China-Vietnam relations?
Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan notes that the rocky history of China-Vietnam relations has shown that neither side is willing to let go of the current trajectory of good relations. Will the recent passing of Vietnam’s leader change this?
Yu Zeyuan
22 Jul 2024