Posted 3/1/2024, 4:26:52 AM
Vietnam Seeks Foreign Ties While Cracking Down on Dissent to Protect Party Power
- Leaked party document warns of "hostile forces" threatening Vietnam's security as it builds ties with US, China, and others
- Directive orders crackdown on civil society groups and activists to counter foreign influence
- Dilemma for Vietnam is it needs foreign investment but fears impact on party's grip on power
- Language suggests Vietnam reluctant to honor human/labor rights commitments in trade deals
- Raises questions whether Vietnam can maintain political control while benefiting economically from global integration