Việt Nam Balances Powers as Xi Jinping Courts Hà Nội Amid Tariff Tensions

The Vietnamese Magazine -

Key Events

  • Unspoken Messages Behind Xi Jinping’s Visit to Việt Nam and Meeting with Tô Lâm
  • Việt Nam Moves to Expand Control Over Internet Services with FPT Telecom Acquisition
  • Ascetic Monk Thích Minh Tuệ Encounters Obstacles on Path to India
  • Việt Nam Balances U.S. and China Ties Amid Escalating Trade Pressures

What Vietnamese Media Didn’t Report About Xi Jinping’s Meeting With Tô Lâm

On April 14–15, 2025, Chinese President and Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Vietnam amid escalating U.S.–China trade tensions. The visit occurred right around the time that the U.S. announced an increase in tariffs on Chinese imports to 245% on April 15, 2025.

Vietnamese President Lương Cường welcomed Xi at Nội Bài International Airport in Hanoi with high honors. Xi held his first bilateral meeting with newly appointed Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary Tô Lâm on the afternoon of April 14. Vietnamese state media highlighted the diplomatic friendship and cooperative agreements. However, Chinese and international media reported more assertive remarks by Xi, which were notably absent from Vietnamese coverage.

According to Chinese outlets, Xi urged Vietnam to resist "unilateralism and bullying," an indirect rebuke of U.S. tariff policies under President Donald Trump, who is running for re-election. Xi also assured Hà Nội that China’s market would remain open to Vietnam and reaffirmed Beijing's support for Vietnam’s path to socialism, stating that the two countries are “comrades and brothers.”

Following his meeting with Tô Lâmn on April 14, Xi also met with Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính and National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn, and with President Lương Cường again on April 15. The two sides signed 45 cooperation agreements, mainly in infrastructure, supply chains, and trade.

In parallel diplomatic activity, the head of the Vietnamese Fatherland Front, Đỗ Văn Chiến, received a delegation led by A Dong, first secretary of the Chinese Communist Youth League.

Trump responded to Xi’s Vietnam trip during a White House press briefing on April 15, stating sarcastically: “I don’t blame China; I don’t blame Vietnam,” Trump said. “That’s a lovely meeting. Meeting like trying to figure out, ‘How do we screw the United States of America?’”

That same day, the U.S. finalized its tariff hike on Chinese goods. China’s government responded by reaffirming its opposition to the tariffs without altering its stance. On April 16, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang announced Beijing’s willingness to elevate military relations with Vietnam to "a new level."

Experts warn of the geopolitical implications behind the optics. Professor Zachary Abuza of the National War College told RFA Vietnamese that China benefits greatly from Vietnam–U.S. trade. Much of what Vietnam exports to the U.S. contains Chinese components, allowing China to maintain indirect access to the American market despite tariffs.

Xi previously visited Vietnam in December 2023, during which both countries elevated their relationship to a “Community with a Shared Strategic Future,” only three months after Hanoi upgraded ties with the United States to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Vietnam's Public Security Ministry Targets Majority Stake in FPT Telecom

Reuters reported that ​Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security is poised to acquire a majority stake in FPT Telecom, one of the nation's leading internet service providers, as part of its ongoing effort to bolster national cybersecurity.

A document reviewed by Reuters reveals that the State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC), which currently holds a 50.17% stake in FPT Telecom, plans to transfer its shares to the ministry. FPT Corporation, Vietnam's largest private tech company, retains a 45.66% stake and operational control of the unit.

The proposed transfer has raised questions about how much control the Ministry of Public Security would wield over FPT Telecom. The ministry, which oversees the police, has been increasingly active in the telecom sector, having also taken control of MobiFone, the country's third-largest telecom operator, last year. It has also been instrumental in implementing stringent data protection regulations that have elicited concerns from international tech firms.

Market reactions were swift; FPT Corp's shares dropped nearly 7% following the planned stake transfer news, reflecting investor apprehension over the company's future revenue streams. Although the shares have since recovered slightly, they remain 2.8% below their previous value. ​

FPT Telecom plays a crucial role in Vietnam's digital infrastructure, notably in developing undersea fiber-optic cables, a national priority given the aging state of existing systems. The document emphasizes that the transfer would enhance the ministry's data protection and cyber risk management capabilities. Approval from the prime minister is being sought to finalize the plan. ​

This move aligns with Vietnam's broader pattern of state involvement in the telecom sector. Viettel, the largest telecom operator, is owned by the Ministry of National Defence, while the second-largest, VNPT, is controlled by the SCIC under the finance ministry's oversight. ​

Vietnamese Ascetic Monk Thích Minh Tuệ Faces Visa Hurdles in Sri Lanka

​Vietnamese ascetic monk Thích Minh Tuệ, renowned for his barefoot pilgrimage from Vietnam to India, has encountered significant challenges during his journey. After traversing Laos, Thailand, and Malaysia, he arrived in Sri Lanka on the night of April 10, 2025. However, his progress was halted by Sri Lankan authorities due to visa issues and allegations by Việt Nam's state-sanctioned Buddhist Sangha.

RFA reported that Sri Lankan police intervened in Narammala, citing a letter from Vietnamese monk Thích Nhật Từ from the state-sanctioned Buddhist Sangha, which accused Thích Minh Tuệ (birth name Lê Anh Tú) of impersonating a monk and attempting to establish a dissident sect.

This letter also claimed Thích Minh Tuệ’s activities disrupted public order and tarnished Việt Nam's reputation. As a result, Thích Minh Tuệ and the monks accompanying him were asked to change their tourist visas to pilgrim visas and were temporarily accommodated at a pagoda in Alawwa. ​

Despite these setbacks, Thích Minh Tuệ remains committed to his pilgrimage, inspired by traditional Buddhist asceticism. His journey has garnered widespread admiration, especially in Việt Nam, where his humble lifestyle and dedication to Buddhist practices have resonated with many. ​

The monk's path forward remains uncertain, with potential routes to India being evaluated. His journey continues to highlight the complexities faced by religious practitioners navigating modern geopolitical landscapes.​

Hà Nội's Strategic Balancing Act Between Washington and Beijing

Việt Nam is navigating a complex diplomatic landscape as it seeks to strengthen relations with both the United States and China amid escalating trade tensions. 

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính recently emphasized the "unique bond" between Việt Nam and the U.S., highlighting ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of newly imposed tariffs by the Trump administration. This statement came shortly after hosting Chinese President Xi Jinping, who advocated for enhanced bilateral cooperation.​

During a meeting with Warburg Pincus CEO Jeffrey Perlman and U.S. Ambassador Marc Knapper, Chính underscored the distinct nature of Vietnam-U.S. relations, noting their importance in the current geopolitical climate.

The discussions are part of Vietnam's broader strategy to address the 46% tariffs the U.S. imposed on its exports, which have significant implications for its export-driven economy. ​

Concurrently, Việt Nam is deepening ties with China. President Xi's visit resulted in the signing of 45 cooperation agreements, focusing on areas such as infrastructure development, supply chain integration, and technological collaboration. These agreements aim to bolster economic connectivity and present China as a stable trade partner amid global uncertainties. ​

Việt Nam's diplomatic engagements reflect its commitment to a balanced foreign policy, seeking to maintain strong relations with both major powers. Việt Nam aims to safeguard its economic interests and contribute to regional stability by fostering partnerships with the U.S. and China.​

Quick Takes:

Việt Nam Finalizes Deal to Acquire U.S. F-16 Fighter Jets

Việt Nam has reportedly finalized an agreement to purchase U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets, marking a significant shift in its defense procurement strategy. The deal, involving at least 24 aircraft, represents what could be the largest defense package between the two nations to date.

This move comes as Việt Nam seeks to modernize its air force, which currently relies heavily on aging Russian-made aircraft. Challenges in maintaining these older models, coupled with concerns over the reliability of Russian support amid international sanctions, have prompted Hà Nội to diversify its military suppliers.

While the agreement signals a deepening of the U.S.-Việt Nam defense ties, it also introduces potential diplomatic complexities, particularly concerning Việt Nam's relationships with China and Russia. The sale is pending U.S. congressional approval, which may involve discussing the transfer of advanced technologies associated with the F-16s.

Việt Nam to Hold Early National Assembly Elections in March 2026

Việt Nam will hold early elections for the 16th National Assembly and local People’s Councils for the 2026–2031 term on March 15, 2026—two months ahead of the usual May schedule, according to the 2015 Election Law. The announcement was made at the April 16 meeting of the Communist Party Central Committee. The first parliamentary session is set for April 6, 2026. The new assembly will have 500 members, including at least 40% full-time legislators, 35% women, 18% ethnic minorities, and 10% under the age of 40. Priority will be given to candidates with legal and science-technology backgrounds.

Việt Nam Insight: Learn more about Việt Nam

As Trump Threatens Tariffs, Việt Nam Scrambles to Avert Economic Disaster

Aljazeera/Govi Snell/April 17

“Kieu Quoc Thanh, the CEO of cashew export business SVC Group, says that everyone in his industry has been 'feeling crazy' for the past two weeks. Since United States President Donald Trump announced his since-paused 'reciprocal' tariffs on April 2, Thanh has witnessed mass confusion among Vietnamese exporters.

For Vietnam, one of the world’s most export-reliant economies, the stakes could scarcely be higher. The US is the Southeast Asian country’s biggest export market, with shipments to it alone last year accounting for 30 percent of gross domestic product (GDP)."