Hanoi: Vietnam’s long and complex relationship with China is witnessing a striking transformation. What was once defined by deep mistrust and anxiety is gradually being replaced by curiosity, admiration, and a pragmatic acceptance of China’s growing global influence. Recent observations and surveys suggest that while tensions over the South China Sea and historical conflicts persist, public sentiment especially among the younger generation has become notably less hostile and increasingly intrigued by China’s culture, technology, and economic success.
For decades, Vietnamese attitudes toward China were colored by a painful history of wars, territorial disputes, and political rivalry. Nationalistic sentiment was particularly strong in the wake of China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea and large-scale infrastructure projects that stirred controversy across Vietnam. Anti-China protests were once common, and public opinion leaned overwhelmingly in favor of partnerships with the United States and Western allies. However, this traditional view appears to be softening, driven largely by the changing global environment and Vietnam’s evolving priorities in trade and development.
Recent social and cultural trends have contributed significantly to this shift. Platforms such as TikTok and WeChat have exposed Vietnamese youth to Chinese culture, fashion, urban life, and technological advancements in ways never seen before. Online content showcasing China’s modernization from high-speed rail networks and AI innovations to synchronized parades and futuristic cities has captured the imagination of Vietnam’s digitally connected generation. The admiration for China’s technological prowess and disciplined society, once overshadowed by suspicion, is increasingly visible on social media platforms where Chinese content enjoys a growing following.
Economically, the transformation is also profound. Vietnam’s trade dependency on China has deepened in recent years, with Chinese companies investing heavily in manufacturing, infrastructure, and logistics across the country. Industrial zones near the northern border have seen a surge in joint ventures, and the supply chain integration between the two nations has expanded. These economic realities have pushed Vietnamese policymakers to adopt a pragmatic stance balancing sovereignty concerns with economic cooperation that supports Vietnam’s growth trajectory.
At the diplomatic level, relations between Hanoi and Beijing have become more frequent and cordial. Both nations’ leaderships have emphasized mutual respect and development-oriented dialogue. Visits by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam have symbolized a thaw in relations, focusing on trade, cultural exchange, and shared development goals. This political warmth is also reflected in public messaging that highlights partnership rather than rivalry.
Nevertheless, caution remains embedded in Vietnam’s collective consciousness. Older generations, shaped by memories of past conflicts, remain wary of China’s strategic ambitions. Territorial disputes in the South China Sea continue to evoke strong nationalist sentiment. Vietnamese commentators and analysts warn that while admiration for China’s economic success is understandable, overreliance or complacency could endanger Vietnam’s sovereignty and political independence.
Polls indicate that while the United States remains Vietnam’s preferred strategic partner, favorable perceptions of China have grown at an unprecedented rate. This nuanced shift does not imply blind acceptance but rather reflects Vietnam’s ability to separate cultural admiration from political caution. Many young Vietnamese express a form of “respectful fascination” with China’s discipline and modernization while maintaining pride in their country’s independence and resilience.
The evolving perception of China in Vietnam encapsulates the broader reality of Southeast Asia’s balancing act. As China’s global influence continues to expand, neighboring countries like Vietnam find themselves navigating between admiration and anxiety, cooperation and caution. The coming years will test whether this newfound curiosity can coexist with vigilance preserving Vietnam’s identity while embracing opportunities that arise from its powerful northern neighbor.
In essence, Vietnam’s changing view of China reflects more than shifting sentiment it symbolizes the nation’s ongoing journey toward reconciling history with modernity, sovereignty with partnership, and national pride with global integration.