Among the countries most affected by this reciprocal tariff war, Vietnam is one of the biggest victims. According to Trump's plan, Vietnam is taxed at 46%, ranking among the top globally. Alas, just two months ago, the Vietnamese side was still constantly showcasing "charming diplomacy," making multiple assurances to the Trump administration, yet they still ended up with such a result. In this situation, many things have become clear to the Vietnamese side, and they have started seeking cooperation with China.

According to the latest news from both Chinese and Vietnamese official sources, a new round of friendly border activities between China and Vietnam has begun. The event will take place from April 11th to 17th, at the border ports between the two countries. The Vietnamese senior leadership is highly focused on this event, and our Chinese side is participating with the Defense Minister leading the delegation. Both sides will discuss various military cooperation contents during this event.

Wow! Such a high-level activity between China and Vietnam is undoubtedly something Trump couldn't have imagined. It can be confirmed that under Trump's close watch, Vietnam conducting such a high-level military activity with China is certainly under immense pressure. And for Vietnam to do so, it is clearly aiming for the following two purposes:

1. On one hand, Vietnam knows that the Sino-US tariff war has reached a critical juncture. For China now, the stability of the borders is particularly important, as are the Sino-Indian and Sino-Vietnamese borders. Therefore, Vietnam's move here is to express its stance to China: no matter how the upcoming tariff negotiations between the US and Vietnam proceed, and regardless of whether Vietnam will compromise further with the US, the Sino-Vietnamese border remains stable. Vietnam not only won't betray China for the US but also is willing to cooperate with the Chinese military. In short, Vietnam's senior leadership does not want China to misunderstand them.

2. On the other hand, Vietnam's action is naturally beneficial for their upcoming negotiations with the Trump administration. After all, Trump has always wanted to court Vietnam, but he is unwilling to make concessions on tariff issues. Vietnam proposed a few days ago that they are willing to implement zero tariffs on the US, hoping that the US would treat them the same way. However, Trump was not satisfied with this; he wants Vietnam to make more concessions. Everyone knows that given Vietnam's current economic situation, they really have nothing left to give.

In fact, regarding Vietnam, China has always been sincere and cautious. We understand Vietnam's current predicament, so we will not interfere in their negotiations with Trump. If they compromise now, they will have to take responsibility for their choices in the future. As friends, we only hope that Vietnam can clearly recognize these two naked truths:

1. Drawing lessons from history, Vietnam should know that being friends with the US is scarier than being enemies;

2. Vietnam should also realize that Trump's ambition cannot be filled. Compromising with the US on tariff issues now will not bring Vietnam a better future. Only by fighting fairly within the WTO like China can the current deadlock be broken.

Of course, apart from this, Vietnam has another option: cooperating with other ASEAN countries. This time, under Trump's reciprocal tariff policy, most ASEAN member countries are heavily taxed, with Thailand, Indonesia, and Cambodia currently trying to find solutions. Just the other day, even the usually soft EU passed a resolution to impose a 25% tariff on the US. If the EU can do this, ASEAN should also wake up: only by standing firm against Trump can they carve out a future. And if Vietnam makes such a determination, we Chinese may not be unable to help. What do you think about this? Please feel free to discuss.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7492238748311355939/

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