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The “same bed, different dreams” of Vietnam and China: how (mis)trust could make or break it

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  • Hong Kong Nguyen-To
  • Quan-Hoang Vuong
  • Manh Tung Ho
  • Thu Trang Vuong

Abstract

The relationship between Vietnam and China could be captured in the Chinese expression of “同床异梦”,which means lying on the same bed but having different dreams. The two countries share certain culturaland political similarities but also diverge vastly in their national interests. This paper adds to the extantliterature on this topic by analyzing the element of trust/mistrust in their interactions in trade-investment,tourism, and defense-security. The analysis shows how the relationship is increasingly interdependent butis equally fragile due to the lack of trust on both sides. The mistrust or even distrust of Chinese subjectsrun deep within the Vietnamese mindset, from the skepticism of Chinese investment, Chinese tourists,discrimination against ethnic Chinese, to the caution against Chinese aggression in the South China Sea.The paper forecasts that, despite the deep-seated differences and occasional mistrust, going forward,neither side would risk damaging the status quo even when tensions peak.

Suggested Citation

  • Hong Kong Nguyen-To & Quan-Hoang Vuong & Manh Tung Ho & Thu Trang Vuong, 2018. "The “same bed, different dreams” of Vietnam and China: how (mis)trust could make or break it," Working Papers CEB 18-021, ULB -- Universite Libre de Bruxelles.
    • Handle: RePEc:sol:wpaper:2013/271426
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    2. Hong-Hai Ho & Thi-Hanh Vu & Ngoc-Tien Dao & Manh-Tung Ho & Quan-Hoang Vuong, 2019. "When the Poor Buy the Rich: New Evidence on Wealth Effects of Cross-Border Acquisitions," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-15, June.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F50 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - General
    • F52 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - National Security; Economic Nationalism
    • P21 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist and Transition Economies - - - Planning, Coordination, and Reform

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