Vietnam’s relationship with China has been historically complex and often strained. However, in 2011, both nations signed an agreement aimed at addressing the long-standing disputes in the South China Sea, a region known as the East Sea in Vietnam. Despite this initial progress, relations deteriorated significantly in 2014 when Vietnamese state media began commemorating the anniversary of the 1974 clashes with China over the contested Paracel Islands. This resurgence of historical tensions coincided with widespread protests in Vietnam, ignited by the repositioning of a Chinese oil rig in contested waters. These protests led to violent attacks on Chinese-owned properties, resulting in twenty deaths and the evacuation of approximately three thousand ethnic Chinese residents. In response to the unrest, the Vietnamese government detained hundreds of demonstrators. The situation escalated further when a Chinese vessel struck and sank a small Vietnamese fishing boat just a week later.

This persistent distrust towards China has, in some ways, facilitated a closer relationship between Vietnam and the United States. During former President Obama’s visit to Vietnam in 2016, he lifted a longstanding arms embargo and initiated negotiations for a Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement. However, President Trump’s administration quickly abandoned the TPP, marking a setback in trade relations. Nevertheless, a new trade agreement reportedly worth billions was announced in 2017 following discussions between Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and President Trump in Washington.

Optimism Amid Challenges

Despite ongoing issues such as corruption, increasing repression of human rights, limited religious freedom, and economic challenges, there are positive developments for many Vietnamese citizens. Quality-of-life indicators show significant improvements, albeit from low starting points. According to the World Bank, the poverty rate in Vietnam has plummeted from seventy percent in the 1980s to below six percent today. Additionally, child mortality rates have decreased, literacy rates exceed ninety-five percent, and average life expectancy has risen to around 75 years, compared to 65 in 1990.

It’s crucial to acknowledge the state of the country at the time of its independence—divided, damaged, and impoverished—and to recognize how life in Vietnam has transformed since the harrowing events of the past few generations. Notably, in 2020, Vietnam garnered international acclaim for its effective management of the COVID-19 pandemic, successfully navigating the initial waves of the crisis better than many other nations. Although international tourism faced a significant downturn due to border closures, low virus case numbers allowed domestic tourism to rebound much sooner than in neighboring countries, resulting in a less severe overall impact on Vietnam’s economy.