Vietnam
Politics
Not distracted: Southeast Asia remains firmly in China’s diplomatic orbit
China has kept Southeast Asia in its sights despite other pressing concerns: it seeks to draw Vietnam closer by highlighting their socialist credentials and has reached out to the Philippines despite their differences. Malaysia’s East Coast Railway Line will also bind Southeast Asia closer to China, says ISEAS researcher Lye Liang Fook.
Lye Liang Fook
06 May 2026
Economy
[Big read] Pinglu Canal: Redrawing China-ASEAN trade routes
The Guangxi’s Pinglu Canal, hailed as the “project of the century”, is expected to open in September, adding a major artery to the region’s access to the sea and seen as a key to unlocking Guangxi’s development. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Lim Zhan Ting finds out from traders, shipping operators and local residents their expectations from the improved connectivity.
Lim Zhan Ting
30 Apr 2026
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
Politics
Does socialist North Korea have any friends left?
As Pyongyang leans ever closer to Moscow, its relations with China and other socialist states remain strained. With sanctions, nuclear tensions and diverging interests, North Korea’s circle of friends is narrowing fast. Japanese academic Atsuhito Isozaki gives his analysis.
Atsuhito Isozaki
03 Feb 2026
Economy
How agriculture anchors Vietnam-China ties
While Vietnam-China agricultural trade has shown great potential, buttressed by regional economic frameworks, issues such as regulatory frictions, trade imbalances and geopolitical risks may get in the way. Researcher Genevieve Donnellon-May explains.
Genevieve Donnellon-May
13 Jan 2026
Economy
[Big read] Liu Chang: The reluctant heiress who saved her father’s agriculture empire
As New Hope plunged into deep losses, Liu Chang faced a role she never sought. In rare candour, the reluctant heiress reflects on the strain of succession, the crisis that defined her and how she ultimately steadied her father’s agriculture empire, in an interview with Lianhe Zaobao’s Li Yaning.
Li Yaning
27 Nov 2025
Politics
Vietnam’s quiet rise: The new diplomatic bridge to North Korea
Maintaining close ties with China and Russia has always been the cornerstone of North Korea’s diplomacy. However, relying solely on these two powers is not enough to lift the country out of international isolation. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan takes a look at the role ASEAN member states Vietnam and Laos can play.
Yu Zeyuan
10 Oct 2025
Economy
China’s factory exodus is turning Vietnam into the world’s assembler
What started as a trickle during the early days of the US-China trade war has become a torrent. To retain access to US markets, companies that have long powered China’s export engine are setting up shop in Vietnam, drawn not only by low labour costs but gains in tariff relief and improved regional access.
Caixin Global
05 Sep 2025
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 true price of AI: Water and energy demands behind Asia’s data centre boom
Data centres are fast becoming the backbone of Southeast Asia’s digital ambitions — but their soaring demand for electricity and water threatens to trigger a sustainability crisis. Researcher Genevieve Donnellon-May looks into the issue.
Genevieve Donnellon-May
18 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
