Vietnam Broadens Ties to Hedge Against an Assertive China

A look at Vietnam’s recent diplomatic moves shows Hanoi increasingly diversifying and intensifying its relations with major powers, a pattern that should be seen as an effort by Hanoi to deal with a more forceful China.

Like many countries in the region, Vietnam is increasingly dependent on either direct or indirect economic links with fast-growing China. Furthermore, Vietnam’s political and economic system is similar to -- if not modeled after -- China’s. Maintaining a friendly relationship with their big neighbor is therefore the top priority of Vietnam’s leaders. ...