The Belt and Road Initiative in Vietnam: Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

Vietnam, which is included in the BRI’s geographical scope and has a great need for infrastructure investments, stands to benefit from the Initiative. However, apart from some statements welcoming the BRI and proposing principles for its implementation, Vietnam’s reactions to the Initiative remain largely ambivalent because of the complex political, economic and strategic relationship between the two countries. This essay will analyze the BRI’s implications for Vietnam, Vietnam’s initial responses to the Initiative, and its future prospects in the country.