President Barack Obama’s trip to Vietnam last month and the lifting of the arms embargo is an important and historical turning point in US relations with Vietnam. While media and observers have generally interpreted the rapprochement as targeting China, Beijing’s perception and assessment of the development of US-Vietnam relations has been largely missing. An analysis of Chinese perspectives helps map China’s potential responses. More importantly, it will reveal key information about Vietnam’s attempt to balance its domestic political agenda and policy goals, and less known facts about Vietnam’s relations with China. 

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