U.S. and China Compete over Vietnam

The leaders of the United States and China visited Vietnam within three months of each other (September 11 and December 12, respectively), indicating a geopolitical competition in which Vietnam is becoming the focal point of a “love triangle.” Both the United States and China have launched diplomatic offensives. In assessing their gains and losses in the political, economic, and regional-security realms, I believe the current score is tied at 1.5 each.

Political Relations: China 1 point, U.S. 0 points

About the Author

Jianli Yang

Jianli Yang is a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at Center for the National Interest and a columnist for National Review.

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The leaders of the United States and China visited Vietnam within three months of each other (September 11 and December 12, respectively), indicating a geopolitical competition in which Vietnam is becoming the focal point of a “love triangle.” Both the United States and China have launched diplomatic offensives. In assessing their gains and losses in the political, economic, and regional-security realms, I believe the current score is tied at 1.5 each.

Political Relations: China 1 point, U.S. 0 points