By Carlyle A. Thayer
Assessment of why Vietnam stood up to Chinese aggression this time around, compared to 2017 and 2018 when it backed down?
ANSWER: It is unclear if “stood up to Chinese aggression” best characterizes Vietnam’s response to events at Vanguard Bank. The Vietnam Coast Guard on station at Vanguard Bank appear to have been ordered to stand their ground while Vietnam made numerous diplomatic protests to China.
