The article by Du Nhat Dang from Tuoi Tre News discusses the impact of the US-China trade war on Vietnam and how the country is positioning itself to respond to the opportunities and challenges it presents. The trade war is seen as a multifaceted dispute, not just about trade deficits but also about broader issues such as investment protection, copyright, and human rights reforms. The article highlights that Vietnam is perceived as a beneficiary of the trade war as companies move away from China, but it also faces the risk of becoming a target of the Trump administration due to its growing exports to the US. Experts suggest that Vietnam must undertake reforms in credit access, land, labor, and transparency to sustainably benefit from the situation. The article also references views from various experts and economists, including those from the Hinrich Foundation's trade training program, the City University of Hong Kong, and the French investment bank Natixis.

Vietnam, as the 2020 Asean Chair, is poised to play a pivotal role in steering the association through various challenges, including the South China Sea disputes, the US-China trade war, and the completion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Vietnam's chairmanship theme, 'cohesive and responsive', reflects its aim to strengthen Asean unity and promote sustainable and independent development within the region. Vietnam's increased international standing, marked by its role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and host of the US-North Korea summit, enhances its position as a mediator. The country is navigating its complex relationship with both the US and China, while also fostering ties with other global partners. Vietnam's approach aligns with Asean's principle of non-alignment and multilateralism, as it seeks to balance national interests with the common goals of the association.

Vietnamese leaders officially congratulated Joe Biden on his U.S. presidential election win on November 30, a move reflecting the diplomatic caution of smaller nations during the transition of power in the U.S. The article discusses Vietnam's timing and reasons for the delayed congratulations, considering its recent experiences with the Trump administration and the upcoming Vietnamese Communist Party Congress. It also touches on Vietnam's foreign policy, especially in relation to China and the U.S., and the country's success in avoiding a recession during the pandemic. The article suggests that Vietnam's foreign policy will remain a priority regardless of the leadership changes after the Party Congress. The author, Du Nhat Dang, is a Vietnamese reporter with a background in journalism and communication.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, during an official visit to Vietnam, emphasized the urgency of addressing the U.S. trade deficit with Vietnam in an interview with Tuoi Tre News. The bilateral trade stands at about $50 billion annually, with the U.S. facing a $40 billion deficit. Ross highlighted the need for Vietnam to reduce this imbalance, mentioning agriculture and energy sectors as potential areas for deficit reduction. Although defense purchases, such as those from Lockheed Martin, could help narrow the gap, no defense deals were discussed during this visit due to scheduling issues. The visit included witnessing the signing of five business agreements and aimed to lay the groundwork for a potential U.S.-Vietnam free trade agreement. U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper is also expected to visit Vietnam to discuss regional security and the defense relationship.