Beijing China Chinese diplomacy Economy education embassy Hanoi Japan Kamala Harris Maritime military Navy Oil Pacific Singapore South China Sea United Nations United States Vietnam
Vietnam has become the latest crux in the US-China contest for the hearts and minds of Southeast Asian nations. It makes for fascinating diplomatic theater. But for the U.S. it is probably a quixotic joust. Indeed, Vietnam is China's to lose. This is possible only because China can be its own worst enemy. Both the U.S. and China see Vietnam as a key claimant in the South China Sea. If either can stick and carrot it to their side, they think the rest will follow. This makes Vietnam a critical player. But it must play its cards very well lest…