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13 AUGUST 2019
Chinese Ship Returns to Vietnam’s Exclusive Economic Zone
A Chinese survey ship returned to Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone off its coast on Aug. 13, ship tracking data showed, less than a week after it left the area where vessels from the two countries were locked in a month-long standoff
https://www.theepochtimes.com/chinese-ship-returns-to-vietnams-exclusive-economic-zone_3040084.html
http://blog.vietnam-aujourdhui.info/post/2019/08/14/Chinese-survey-ship-returns-to-disputed-waters-claimed-by-Vietnam
8 AUGUST 2019
Vietnam Confirms China Ship Left its Waters, Ending Month-Long Standoff
A Chinese survey ship embroiled in a tense month-long standoff with Vietnamese vessels has left Vietnam’s continental shelf, the Southeast Asian nation’s foreign ministry confirmed on Aug. 8
https://www.theepochtimes.com/vietnam-confirms-china-ship-left-its-waters-ending-month-long-standoff_3034539.html
https://en.vietnamplus.vn/chinas-vessels-halt-survey-in-vietnams-exclusive-economic-zone/157504.vnp
https://www.scmp.com/print/news/china/diplomacy/article/3021916/south-china-sea-chinese-ship-leaves-vietnamese-zone-it-only
19 JULY 2019
Vietnam demands China withdraws vessel from South China Sea
Vietnam has called on China to remove an oil exploration ship from disputed waters near the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/07/vietnam-demands-china-withdraws-vessel-south-china-sea-190719143019505.html
https://en.vietnamplus.vn/vietnam-demands-china-to-end-violations-in-waters/156432.vnp
17 JULY 2019
Vietnam, China embroiled in South China Sea stand-off
Vietnamese and Chinese ships have been embroiled in a weeks-long stand-off near an offshore oil block in disputed waters of the South China Sea which fall within Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone, two Washington-based think-tanks said on Wednesday (July 17)
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/vietnam-china-embroiled-in-south-china-sea-standoff
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3019027/china-and-vietnam-tread-softly-south-china-sea-over-latest
20 APRIL 2019
https://www.voanews.com/a/how-vietnam-quietly-built-up-10-islands-in-asia-most-disputed-sea/4882776.html
The Vietnamese coast guard Sunday received six patrol boats from the United States, in a move that indicates a renewed desire for cooperation between the former enemies
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/vietnam/vn-metal-shark-04012019154518.html
22 MARCH 2019
Vietnam officially protests China over ramming in South China Sea
Hanoi has officially logged a protest with Beijing over the ramming of a Vietnamese fishing boat earlier this month within Vietnam’s waters in the South China Sea
http://www.hanoitimes.vn/news/defend-the-sovereignty/2019/03/81E0D4B0/vietnam-officially-protests-china-over-ramming-in-south-china-sea/
http://blog.vietnam-aujourdhui.info/post/2019/03/22/Vietnam-protests-to-China-over-South-China-Sea-boat-sinking
https://www.theepochtimes.com/vietnam-protests-to-china-over-south-china-sea-boat-sinking_2849022.html
6 FEBRUARY 2019
Why is Donald Trump meeting Kim Jong Un in Vietnam on 27-28 February?
Vietnam has diplomatic ties with both North Korea and the US. North Korea has an embassy in Hanoi and reports suggest that Kim Jong Un is interested in following Vietnam’s economic and political example
https://www.dw.com/en/why-is-donald-trump-meeting-kim-jong-un-in-vietnam/a-47378381
https://www.asiapacificstar.com/news/259412112/vietnam-site-for-2nd-trump-kim-summit-may-bring-wins-for-all
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/the-world-trusts-us-vietnamese-proud-to-host-trump-kim-summit
2 JANUARY 2019
Europe, Vietnam reach towards major trade deal
After nearly seven years of negotiations, the European Union and Vietnam appear closer than ever to cinching a major free trade deal, known as the Europe-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA)
http://www.atimes.com/article/europe-vietnam-reach-towards-major-trade-deal/
20 DECEMBRE 2018
Holy See and Vietnam agree to a resident nuncio in Hanoi ‘in the near future’
The seventh meeting of the Viet Nam-Vatican Joint Working Group took place in Hanoi yesterday “in a cordial and mutually respectful atmosphere.” The main point of the statement that followed noted that there will be a resident nuncio in Hanoi “in the near future”
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Holy-See-and-Vietnam-agree-to-a-resident-nuncio-in-Hanoi-%27in-the-near-future%27-45799.html
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Vatican-Vietnam:-Holy-See-delegation-meetings-in-Hanoi–45764.html
22 NOVEMBER 2018
Vietnam Protests New Building by Beijing in South China Sea
China’s construction of a new platform in a remote part of the disputed South China Sea is a serious violation of Vietnam’s sovereignty, its foreign ministry said on Nov.22
https://www.theepochtimes.com/vietnam-protests-new-building-by-beijing-in-south-china-sea_2721855.html
https://en.vietnamplus.vn/vietnam-resolutely-opposes-chinas-activities-in-bombay-reef/142344.vnp
20 NOVEMBER 2018
Vietnam Offers India Chance to Get Tougher Against Maritime Rival China
Advances in relations between Vietnam and India will help both countries resist Chinese expansion in Asia including the contested South China Sea, Asia scholars say
https://www.voanews.com/a/vietnam-india-relations/4666001.html
https://en.vietnamplus.vn/vietnam-india-issue-joint-statement/142210.vnp
3 NOVEMBER 2018
Vietnam and France businesses ink agreements worth US$10 billion
Vietnam and France support the signing of the EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and commit to free trade, the government portal reported during the current visit by the French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe to Vietnam
http://www.hanoitimes.vn/news/viet-nam/2018/11/81E0CEBD/vietnam-and-france-businesses-ink-agreements-worth-us-10-billion/
http://blog.vietnam-aujourdhui.info/post/2018/11/03/Vietnam-and-France-sign-deals-worth-over-%2410-billion
https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/politics/20181102/france-wants-vietnam-to-become-partner-of-reference-in-southeast-asia-pm-edouard-philippe/47494.html
http://en.rfi.fr/asia-pacific/20181103-french-pm-revisits-site-frances-painful-dien-bien-phu-defeat
15 OCTOBER 2018
Mattis trip to Vietnam aimed at countering China’s influence
By making a rare second trip this year to Vietnam, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is signaling how intensively the Trump administration is trying to counter China’s military assertiveness by cozying up to smaller nations in the region that share American wariness about Chinese intentions
https://www.newdelhitimes.com/mattis-trip-to-vietnam-aimed-at-countering-chinas-influence/
8 SEPTEMBER 2018
In a bid to bolster defences, Vietnam buys Russian weapons
At the end of his visit, Dmitry Shugayev, head of Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation reportedly said, “We have a portfolio of orders worth more than $1 billion.”
https://www.vietnamtribune.com/news/257959107/in-a-bid-to-bolster-defences-vietnam-buys-russian-weapons
10 JULY 2018
US, Vietnam to Cooperate on Freedom of Navigation in Disputed South China Sea
The U.S. top diplomat reaffirmed America’s commitment to a “free and open Indo-Pacific” region during his first trip to Vietnam, saying Washington and Hanoi will work together to uphold freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea
https://www.newdelhitimes.com/us-vietnam-to-cooperate-on-freedom-of-navigation-in-disputed-south-china-sea/
31 MAY 2018
Vietnam and Japan leaders agree on maritime safety cooperation
Leaders of Japan and Vietnam have agreed to bolster cooperation in maritime safety and defense as they expressed shared concern over China’s growing activity in the South China Sea
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2018/05/31/japan-vietnam-
31 MARCH 2018
Australia and Vietnam tie the knot for strategic partnership
Australia and Vietnam upgraded their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership during Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s visit to Australia from 14–18 March 2018. The move is not a surprise. As the Australian government states, this elevation ‘reflects Australia and Vietnam’s mature and diverse bilateral relationship’
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2018/03/31/australia-and-vietnam-tie-the-knot-for-strategic-partnership/
20 MARCH 2018
Learning From the Battle of the Spratly Islands
15 MARCH 2018
Australia and Vietnam sign strategic partnership pact
Australia and Vietnam signed a new strategic partnership Thursday, in an apparent move to counter China’s growing assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region
https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/International-Relations/Australia-and-Vietnam-sign-strategic-partnership-pact
http://blog.vietnam-aujourdhui.info/post/2018/03/15/Vietnam-and-Australia-deepen-ties
http://vovworld.vn/en-US/news/vietnam-australia-elevate-ties-to-strategic-partnership-627407.vov
3 MARCH 2018
India, Vietnam to enhance cooperation in defence production: PM Narendra Modi
“We have decided that we will enhance cooperation in defence production and explore opportunities in transfer of technology. We will jointly work for an open, independent and prosperous Indo Pacific area where sovereignty and international law is respected,” he said
http://www.freepressjournal.in/india/india-vietnam-to-enhance-cooperation-in-defence-production-pm-narendra-modi/1231130
http://en.qdnd.vn/foreign-affairs/bilateral-relations/president-tran-dai-quang-holds-talks-with-indian-pm-narendra-modi-490440
http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/india/india-vietnam-vow-to-cooperate-on-region-s-security-1.2182037
25 JANUARY 2018
US to send aircraft carrier to Vietnam as ties between old foes deepen in response to rising threat of China
In a post-war first, the United States will send an aircraft carrier to Vietnam, Hanoi’s defence ministry said on Thursday, a major demonstration of deepening military ties between the former enemies more than four decades after the Vietnam war
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/diplomacy/article/2130581/us-send-aircraft-carrier-vietnam-ties-between-old-foes-deepen
http://www.vietnamtribune.com/news/256215589/mattis-us-aircraft-carrier-to-visit-vietnam-in-march
http://blog.vietnam-aujourdhui.info/post/2018/01/25/Russia-Vietnam-military-ties-in-the-spotlight-with-defense-minister%E2%80%99s-visit
13 NOVEMBER 2017
Vietnam, China agree to avoid conflicts in South China Sea
The agreement was announced in a joint statement after Chinese President Xi Jinping made a state visit to the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi on Monday
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2017/11/13/542063/Vietnam-China-agreement-South-China-Sea-Xi-Jinping-Hanoi-ASEAN
10 NOVEMBER 2017
How Will US-Vietnam Relations Develop under Trump?
Donald Trump’s presidency thus far has provoked anxiety among the US’ Asian partners and allies. Southeast Asia — a group of small and middle-size states — is particularly concerned about the perceived policy vacuum and fading commitment of the United States. Vietnam is among the countries most closely watching Washington’s policy shifts
http://ippreview.com/index.php/Home/Blog/single/id/585.html
24 AUGUST 2017
Vietnam calls for greater Asean unity over South China Sea
Nguyen Phu Trong is on a visit to Indonesia – the first by a Vietnamese Communist Party chief since Ho Chi Minh’s visit in 1959. In a speech televised at his home country on Wednesday, he said Asean needed to be unified in resolving territorial disputes
https://asiancorrespondent.com/2017/08/vietnam-calls-greater-asean-unity-south-china-sea/#TFR10t64WfW1ewKc.97
9 AUGUST 2017
Vietnam, US agree to strengthen military ties amid Chinese dispute
Vietnam and the United States have agreed to forge deeper military ties, and an American aircraft carrier has been scheduled to visit the southeast Asian country amid a territorial dispute between Vietnam and China
http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2017/08/09/531167/Vietnam-US-military-ties-Ngo-Xuan-James-Mattis-China
10 JULY 2017
Vietnam Is Chasing India To Escape The Grip Of China
Now Vietnam is pushing for stronger ties with India. The two countries have explored together for oil in the South China Sea — the one Beijing believes is mostly its own — since at least 2014 when the overseas subsidiary of India’s state-run firm ONGC and PetroVietnam Exploration Production Corp. signed an agreement for exploring three oil blocks despite bristling in Beijing
https://www.forbes.com/sites/ralphjennings/2017/07/10/vietnam-is-chasing-india-in-a-new-gambit-to-resist-china/#753a023c5f59
27 JUNE 2017
The weak points in Vietnam’s military
Despite significant defense investments, some neglected portions of Vietnam’s military are vulnerable to Chinese Attack
http://thediplomat.com/2017/06/the-weak-points-in-vietnams-miliary/
4 JUNE 2017
Vietnam’s White House lobbying coup secures strategic gains
When Vietnam’s prime minister sat down with President Donald Trump at the White House last week, it reflected a concerted Vietnamese lobbying effort unmatched by most Asian peers
http://tuoitrenews.vn/politics/41303/vietnam-s-white-house-lobbying-coup-secures-strategic-gains
http://www.scmp.com/week-asia/geopolitics/article/2096713/nothing-personal-lesson-trump-vietnamese-politics
31 MAY 2017
Trump hails deals with Vietnam, but trade imbalance isn’t so good
US President Donald Trump hailed billions of dollars of deals with Vietnam even as he used a visit by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to highlight the trade imbalance between the two countries
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/2096417/trump-and-vietnamese-leader-focus-trade-during-meeting-white-house
http://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Deals/Vietnam-investing-billions-in-US-equipment-and-services
Joint statement by Vietnam, US after PM Phuc’s visit to White House
Hanoi and Washington called for refrain from any tension escalation in the East Vietnam Sea, including “the militarization of disputed features,” had “frank and constructive dialogue” to narrow differences on human rights, agreed to promote bilateral trade, and shared concern over ballistic missile tests by North Korea
http://tuoitrenews.vn/politics/41258/joint-statement-by-vietnam-us-after-pm-phucs-visit-to-white-house
http://www.atimes.com/article/trump-phuc-rekindle-us-vietnam-warming-trend/
11 MAY 2017
Xi calls for more bilateral cooperation as he hosts Vietnamese president
President Xi Jinping on Thursday called for China and Vietnam to boost bilateral cooperation as he received Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang, despite the two communist countries being at odds over territorial disputes in the South China Sea
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2094012/xi-calls-more-bilateral-cooperation-he-hosts-vietnamese
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/articles/195/7/214/1494516576119.html
http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2017/05/11/china-says-has-positive-talks-with-vietnam-on-south-china-sea/
30 MARCH 2017
South Korea, Vietnam aim for more muscular ties
Vietnam asks South Korea for backing in the South China Sea against China; Seoul wants more coordination with Hanoi on North Korea’s mounting threat. So are the two strong trade and investment partners set to upgrade their strategic ties into a more comprehensive bilateral Relationship?
http://www.atimes.com/article/south-korea-vietnam-aim-muscular-ties/
19 JANUARY 2017
Arrests as Vietnam breaks up rally against China’s ‘invasion’ of Paracel islands
Vietnamese police on Thursday scuffled with activists marking the 1974 Chinese invasion of a disputed island chain as they arrested several people and dispersed journalists
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2063573/arrests-vietnam-breaks-rally-against-chinas-invasion
http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/content/vietnam-police-halt-anti-china-protest-over-islands
16 JANUARY 2017
Japan to provide patrol ships to Vietnam amid maritime row with China
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Monday that Japan will provide six patrol vessels to Vietnam as a part of a fresh yen-loan offer totalling 120 billion yen (US$1 billion) to the Southeast Asian country to help its maritime safety efforts amid China’s expanding activities at sea
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2062592/japan-pm-shinzo-abe-meets-vietnamese-leaders-promises?spm=0.0.0.0.RcYBwd
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/01/16/national/politics-diplomacy/abe-jokowi-unite-south-china-sea-disputes-plan-two-plus-two-meeting/#.WH0epoWcE2w
http://www.thanhniennews.com/politics/japan-to-provide-patrol-ships-to-vietnam-amid-maritime-row-with-china-65869.html
23 NOVEMBER 2016
Pope and Vietnam’s president meet at the Vatican in bid to warm long-strained ties
Pope Francis has hosted Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang at the Vatican as the two work towards warming long-strained ties, a press release from the Holy See said
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/diplomacy/article/2048934/pope-and-vietnams-president-meet-vatican-bid-warm-long-strained
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Pope-receives-Vietnamese-president,-highlighting-good-relations-and-a-shared-spirit-of-dialogue-39223.html
http://vietnamnews.vn/politics-laws/346844/pope-francis-welcomes-vietnamese-leaders-visit-to-vatican.html#pur11RWLhjtIZukR.97
4 OCTOBER 2016
US warships make landmark visit to strategic Vietnam port
Two U.S. warships have made their first port call in 21 years at Vietnam’s strategic naval base at Cam Ranh Bay, marking an important step in improving military ties between the former enemies
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/us-warships-make-landmark-visit-to-strategic-vietnam-port/3179524.html
10 SEPTEMBER 2016
Why India, Vietnam upgraded their ties
Though it was short – and came relatively late – Narendra Modi’s recent one-day stopover in Hanoi, the first official trip to Vietnam by an Indian prime minister since Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s 2001 visit, was momentous as it marked a new shift in India-Vietnam relations
http://atimes.com/2016/09/why-india-vietnam-upgraded-their-ties/
3 SEPTEMBER 2016
Vietnam to strengthen defense ties with India
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered up to 500 million dollars in loans to Vietnam to boost defense cooperation
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160903_22/
http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/pm-modis-vietnam-visit-key-takeaways_1925525.html
29 AUGUST 2016
Vietnam’s Three Strategic Options
In response to Vietnam’s deteriorating security situation, it is likely to choose one of three strategies: 1) continue the current strategy of hedging between the U.S., China and Russia; 2) ally with the U.S. against China; or 3) develop Vietnam’s military capabilities, including a potential nuclear déterrent
http://www.forbes.com/sites/anderscorr/2016/08/29/vietnams-three-strategic-options/#4e5617322104
11 AUGUST 2016
What the end of the US arms embargo means for Vietnam
The United States’ complete lifting of the decade-long embargo on arms sales to Vietnam marked a historic milestone in US–Vietnam relations, paving the way for a strategic partnership between the two former foes. So what will this mean for Vietnamese security and domestic politics?
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2016/08/09/what-the-end-of-the-us-arms-embargo-means-for-vietnam/
10 AUGUST 2016
Vietnam ‘moves new rocket launchers’ into South China Sea
Vietnam has discreetly fortified several of its islands in the disputed South China Sea with new mobile rocket launchers capable of striking China’s runways and military installations across the vital trade route, according to Western officials
http://atimes.com/2016/08/vietnam-moves-new-rocket-launchers-into-disputed-s-china-sea/
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Hanoi-deploys-defensive-system-on-disputed-islands-in-South-China-Sea-38276.html
29 JUNE 2016
Việt Nam, Liberia officially establish diplomatic ties
Việt Nam and Liberia signed a joint communiqué establishing bilateral diplomatic ties during a ceremony in Hà Nội
http://vietnamnews.vn/politics-laws/298790/viet-nam-liberia-officially-establish-diplomatic-ties.html#RJyqVsDsohdIfpX1.97
23 MAY 2016
Obama announces full lifting of Vietnam arms embargo
The United States has fully lifted its ban on weapons sales to Vietnam, President Barack Obama announced on Monday (May 23) during a visit to Hanoi, unpicking a decades-old embargo on the one-time enemy
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/obama-announces-full/2808866.html
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36356695
22 MAY 2016
Obama in Vietnam: Arms and trade deal on agenda as trip begins
U.S. President Barack Obama arrived in Vietnam late Sunday ahead of a three-day trip aimed at sealing the transformation of an old enemy into a new partner to help counter China’s growing assertiveness in the region
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/obama-arrives-in-vietnam/2807542.html
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36354326
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/diplomacy/article/1951031/sandwiched-between-giants-vietnam-seeks-obamas-assurance
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/government/156802/new-mark-in-vietnam-us-comprehensive-partnership.html
19 MAY 2016
Vietnam to get 2 more Russian frigates this year
Russia’s Zelenodolsk shipyard will deliver two Gepard-class frigates to Vietnam in August and September this year, Russian news agency TASS has reported.
http://www.thanhniennews.com/politics/vietnam-to-get-2-more-russian-frigates-this-year-62341.html
Vietnam is Russia’s bridge to ASEAN
The visit to Russia by Vietnam’s newly-appointed Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc hardly drew world attention. Yet, for Hanoi and Moscow, his five-day trip, which started on May 16, assumes great significance
http://atimes.com/2016/05/vietnam-is-russias-bridge-to-asean/
http://www.thanhniennews.com/politics/vietnamese-russian-premiers-discuss-boosting-ties-62242.html
11 MAY 2016
Quietly, Vietnam hosts arms gathering attended by US companies
Vietnam hosts a defense symposium this week attended by top American arms manufacturers, ahead of a visit by U.S. President Barack Obama and as Washington weighs whether to lift an arms embargo on its former enemy.
http://atimes.com/2016/05/quietly-vietnam-hosts-arms-gathering-attended-by-us-companies/
12 APRIL 2016
Japanese Maritime SDF destroyers visit port in Vietnam for 1st time
For the first time since the end of World War II, Japanese destroyers dropped anchor at a Vietnamese port, signifying the two nations’ defense cooperation
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201604120043.html
5 APRIL 2016
Analyst: ‘Vietnam not submitting to China on territorial issues’
Vietnamese authorities have captured a Chinese vessel and its crew for allegedly entering its waters. DW talks to security analyst Bill Hayton about the implications of the incident.
http://www.dw.com/en/analyst-vietnam-not-submitting-to-china-on-territorial-issues/a-19162112
4 APRIL 2016
Vietnam seizes Chinese ship for trespassing
Vietnam has seized a Chinese ship and detained its captain and two sailors, accusing the crew of illegally intruding on its waters, state media said
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/04/vietnam-seizes-chinese-vessel-detains-crew
http://blog.vietnam-aujourdhui.info/post/2016/04/03/Vietnam-seizes-chinese-ship%2C-State-media-reports
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/vietnam-seizes-chinese-oil-tanker-state-media
27 MARCH 2016
Vietnam, China to handle sea dispute ‘peaceful, friendly’: defence ministers
Defence ministers of Vietnam and China have agreed that the two countries will continue to handle the East Sea dispute through peaceful and friendly dialogues, according to the Vietnam News Agency
http://www.thanhniennews.com/politics/vietnam-china-to-handle-sea-dispute-peaceful-friendly-defence-ministers-60635.html
19 FEBRUARY 2016
Vietnam lodges UN complaint against China
Vietnam has lodged a formal complaint to the UN over China’s placement of a surface-to-air missile battery on a disputed island in the South China Sea.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/02/vietnam-lodges-complaint-china-violations-160219101856958.html
18 FEBRUARY 2016
Vietnam’s China challenge
The General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong was re-elected to the top post of the Vietnamese regime in late January. But victory in the elections is just the first challenge in Trong’s five-year term. The next major challenge for the new leader will be managing the relationship with China.
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2016/02/18/vietnams-china-challenge-2/
11 FEBRUARY 2016
India to build satellite tracking station in Vietnam that offers eye on China
India will set up a satellite tracking and imaging center in southern Vietnam that will give Hanoi access to pictures from Indian earth observation satellites that cover the region, including China and the South China Sea, Indian officials said
http://apdf-magazine.com/india-to-build-satellite-tracking-station-in-vietnam-that-offers-eye-on-china/
19 JANUARY 2016
Vietnam warns China against rig activity in disputed waters
Vietnam warned China on Tuesday (Jan 19) against drilling in disputed waters in the South China Sea, after Beijing steered an oil rig at the centre of a previous stand-off between the countries into a stretch where jurisdiction is unclear
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/vietnam-warns-china/2439218.html
14 JANUARY 2016
Vietnam’s plan to deter China with western warplane purchases
Vietnam is negotiating with American and European manufacturers to purchase new warplanes—including fighters, maritime patrol aircraft and unmanned aircraft. The move comes as part of Hanoi’s strategy to lessen its dependence on Russian hardware and to counter China’s growing power
http://atimes.com/2016/01/vietnams-plan-to-deter-china-with-western-jets/
29 DECEMBER 2015
US Ambassador to Vietnam Dismayed About Detentions of Dissidents
The U.S. ambassador to Vietnam on Tuesday expressed concern about recent reports of harassment and detentions of human rights advocates, including the recent arrest of a prominent rights advocate in the repressive Southeast Asian country
http://www.rfa.org/english/news/vietnam/us-ambassador-to-vietnam-dismayed-about-detentions-of-dissidents-12292015115930.html
4 DECEMBER 2015
Vietnam is Israel’s closest ASEAN partner
Israel’s relations with ASEAN countries have not received a great deal of attention. In reality, however, there is an increasing tendency of Israel to benefit from the growing economies of Southeast Asia
http://asiapacific.anu.edu.au/newmandala/2015/12/04/vietnam-israels-closest-asean-partner/
6 NOVEMBER 2015
China and Vietnam pledge good ties and maritime peace
China and Vietnam have pledged to be “good neighbours” and agreed to maintain peace in the South China Sea. It comes at the end of a state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the first of its kind for a decade
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-34742682
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/1876440/president-xi-jinping-tells-hanoi-parliament-china-and
http://www.thanhniennews.com/politics/china-vietnam-should-maintain-status-quo-in-east-sea-party-chief-trong-tells-president-xi-53336.html
6 NOVEMBER 2015
Japan to strengthen defence ties with Vietnam
Japan wishes to strengthen comprehensive ties with Vietnam, particularly in defense, its defense chief said during a meeting with the Vietnamese communist party leader in Hanoi today
http://worldaffairsjournal.org/content/japan-strengthen-defense-ties-vietnam
21 OCTOBER 2015
Vietnam, Philippines to strengthen ties
The foreign ministers of Vietnam and the Philippines have agreed to further strengthen their partnership to maintain peace and stability in the region and secure freedom of navigation.Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario met in Hanoi on Wednesday
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20151022_01.html
15 SEPTEMBER 2015
Japan pledges maritime security aid to Vietnam
Japan has promised Vietnam ships to strengthen its forces in the South China Sea, with the two nations describing large-scale land reclamation there as a threat to peace — a veiled reference to China
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/09/japan-pledges-maritime-security-aid-vietname-150915125026675.html
29 JULY 2015
David Cameron becomes first British PM to visit Vietnam
Cameron’s trip will take in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the former Saigon, almost 40 years after the US ignominiously pulled out in April 1975 and left the country to a form of Communist rule
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jul/29/david-cameron-first-british-prime-minister-visit-vietnam
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/video/2015/jul/29/david-cameron-vietnam-video
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jul/29/david-cameron-vietnam-regime-business-diplomatic-game
7 JULY 2015
Vietnam Communist Party leader makes historic US visit
Vietnam’s General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, has met US President Barack Obama at the White House to discuss defence issues and the running conflict with China over disputed islands in the South China Sea
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/07/vietnam-communist-party-white-house-150708045555640.html
http://www.thanhniennews.com/politics/obama-vietnam-party-chief-discuss-east-sea-in-landmark-meeting-47641.html
http://edition.cnn.com/2015/07/07/politics/obama-vietnam-trans-pacific-partnership-china/index.html
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2015/07/08/the-geo-politics-of-vietnam-us-rapprochement/#more-46812
2 JUNE 2015
Vietnam receives Russian-design missile boats amid maritime tension
Vietnam took delivery of two new missile boats on Tuesday made locally and modelled on Russian vessels, the latest move by its military to strengthen maritime defences as tensions simmer over sovereignty in the South China Sea.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/vietnam-receives-russian/1888578.html
18 MAY 2015
Vietnam Condemns Chinese Ban on Fishing in South China Sea. china-defends-fishing-ban-brushes-vietnams-protest
Vietnam has strongly condemned a temporary Chinese ban on fishing in the South China Sea, calling the move a violation of its sovereignty, as the neighboring countries seek to repair ties damaged by Beijing’s deployment of an oil rig to the contested waters a year ago
http://www.rfa.org/english/news/vietnam/ban-05182015140858.html
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/05/18/asia-pacific/china-defends-fishing-ban-brushes-vietnams-protest/#.VVpJ1e_GMcB