Tạp chí của Viện Nghiên cứu Châu Á - Thái Bình Dương
The East Sea in 2025: China’s Policies and Activities
This article examines the key features of China’s policies and behaviour in the South China Sea in 2025, highlighting a pattern of both continuity and adjustment. It argues that Beijing continues to pursue its grey-zone strategy through close coordination among the navy, coast guard, and maritime militia to consolidate “actual control” at sea. At the same time, China has expanded the militarisation of its maritime outposts and intensified the use of legal instruments to “legalize its claims,” a trend that has been consistently reinforced since 2016. However, 2025 also witnesses several notable shifts: an escalation in on-the-ground grey-zone activities; the use of environmental discourse as a tool to legitimize sovereignty claims and expand the exercise of jurisdiction; and China’s accelerated adoption of advanced technologies, surveillance systems, and emerging operational capabilities to dominate strategic maritime spaces-especially in the undersea domain amid growing competition.
The System of Social Science Research Institutes - an “Intellectual Capital” for China’s Rise
The rise of China in recent decades is not only the result of the accumulation of economic, scientific, technological, and military capabilities, but also the role of intellectual capital in social sciences. China's goal of establishing itself as a superpower is closely intertwined with the task of building an academic superpower. The introduction of new initiatives, theoretical frameworks, or interpretations with distinct Chinese characteristics in recent times reflects the outcome of a process of constructing a unique national discourse system. This article focuses on analyzing the role of social science research institutes in China in the rise of this superpower.
Adjustments in Malaysia’s National Cultural Policy from 1971 to 2021
Over the fifty-year period from 1971 to 2021, the National Cultural Policy (NCP) has played a significant role in shaping the country's cultural landscape and has been the focus of ongoing debate and re-evaluation. From the perspective of history and national culture, the policy has come under increasing pressure to adapt to evolving conceptions of multiculturalism, inclusivity, and identity. Through an analysis of key policy documents, public discourses, and cultural initiatives over time, this article highlights the changes in the content of Malaysia’s cultural policy and assesses the achievements, challenges and prospects of policy implementation in the process of building a pluralistic society in the 21st century.
Russia-China Cooperation within the BRICS Framework in Recent Years and Implications for Vietnam
In the context of an international order increasingly evolving toward multipolarity and multi-centeredness, the BRICS group has emerged as an important cooperation mechanism reflecting the trend of “de-Westernization.” Within this framework, Russia and China - two countries playing strategic pillar roles - are strengthening their cooperation to promote a more balanced global distribution of power and reduce dependence on the West. Especially after Russia launched the “special military operation” in Ukraine in February 2022, Russia - China cooperation within the BRICS has entered a new phase of deeper and more comprehensive collaboration. This article focuses on analyzing the formation and institutionalization of BRICS, clarifying the core roles of Russia and China within this cooperative structure. At the same time, it assesses Russia–China cooperation within BRICS in the political - security and economic - financial spheres. On that basis, the article examines the impacts of this cooperation on Vietnam and proposes several policy implications to help Vietnam proactively adapt and leverage opportunities arising from the growing prominence of BRICS in the current period.
The Impact of the US-China Trade War on Japan’s Semiconductor Industry
In the context of the US-China trade war, the development of the semiconductor industry has become a critical foundation determining technological strength and national standing. Japan, with its pivotal role in upstream segments such as materials and manufacturing equipment, finds itself under pressure from both the United States and China. This research examines the impacts of the US-China trade war on Japan’s semiconductor industry and Japan’s strategies to regain its position in the global semiconductor value chain. Drawing on theoretical frameworks of international cooperation and foreign direct investment, the research outlines the shifts and Japan’s important role in the global semiconductor supply chains . The analysis indicates that Japan possesses the capacity to capitalize on commercial opportunities arising from exports of oldgeneration semiconductor technologies to China. However, Japan also faces substantial challenges, including export-control risks and alliance-related pressure from the United States. On this basis, the paper systematizes Japan’s semiconductor revitalization policies from 2021 and proposes policy implications for Vietnam to strengthen its position in the value chain.
VietnamChina relations from a “Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership” Toward a “Community with a Shared Future”
On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and China (18 January 1950 – 18 January 2025), this article reviews the development of relations between the two countries since the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership framework (2008) to the present. It assesses the current state of cooperation across the main pillars of politics, economy, security, and socio-cultural exchange. By applying international relations theories, the study clarifies the strategic goals, the intertwining of interests, and the important shifts in Vietnam-China relations within the new geopolitical context. It also examines the process of upgrading bilateral relations from a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership towards the building of a “Vietnam–China Community with a Shared Future of Strategic Significance.”
Intellectual Property Courts: China’s Experience and Implications for Vietnam
This article examines the model of Intellectual Property Courts in China, with particular emphasis on the process of specialization and regionalization of the court system. Through this analysis, the paper identifies valuable lessons for Vietnam amidst the deep judicial reform, in line with Resolution No. 27-NQ/TW and Resolution No. 18-NQ/TW. The article argues that the model of intellectual property adjudication within regional people’s courts, aligned with the ongoing trend toward the elimination of intermediate adjudicatory levels, represents the most appropriate and feasible institutional option for Vietnam at the present stage. Lessons drawn from China demonstrate that a specialized intellectual property court system with clearly defined jurisdiction and a highly specialized judiciary constitutes a useful reference. The findings of this research contribute to the formulation of policies for organizing Vietnam’s Intellectual Property Court system in a manner consistent with the orientations of the Party and State.
The Application of Digital Technologies in the Development of Smart Tourism in Japan
From 2020 to 2023, the COVID-19 pandemic evolved in an extremely complex manner in Japan, causing widespread disruption across many sectors, particularly the tourism industry. This crisis exposed the inherent limitations of the traditional tourism model dependent on high visitor volumes, while simultaneously prompting a shift in mindset and the whole system . Rather than merely adopting short-term responses, Japan leveraged this shock to integrate the principles of Society 5.0 into smart tourism, shifting the focus from scale expansion to value creation. Japan’s success lies not in the simple adoption of technology, but in its strategic capacity to link digital technologies with cultural capital to generate new experiences, address social challenges, and build a more resilient smart tourism ecosystem. Lessons from Japan demonstrate that the future of smart tourism belongs to countries capable of transforming systemic risks into drivers of focused and transformative innovation.
Vietnam’s Strategic Adaptability amid Intensifying Geopolitical and Geoeconomic Competition among Major Powers in Southeast Asia
In the context of escalating US-China strategic rivalry and global supply chain reconfiguration, Vietnam has implemented a multidimensional adaptation strategy aimed at balancing pressures from major powers, repositioning its role within global value chains and safeguarding national interests. This article examines the opportunities and challenges that Vietnam confronts amidst the intensifying geopolitical and geoeconomic competition among major powers in Southeast Asia, and explores the measures underpinning strategic adaptability in the new situation.
Prospects for ASEAN Centrality in the Coming Decade
ASEAN’s central role has been built on the basis of solidarity among the Southeast Asian nations and their efforts to establish multilateral cooperation frameworks with major powers. Emerging in the 1990s and becoming more clearly defined in the early twenty-first century, this role has been reflected in ASEAN’s ability to initiate, connect, and reconcile security and development interests among its member states as well as between ASEAN and external partners. However, in the coming decade, due to internal constraints within the bloc and the complexity of the global geopolitical environment, ASEAN is more likely to focus on serving as a bridge for dialogue and trust-building rather than leading or making decisions to resolve conflicts. In this context, as a memeber of ASEAN, Vietnam needs to proactively strengthen intra-bloc unity, consistently uphold the “ASEAN Way,” and effectively utilize regional forums to safeguard sovereignty, enhance strategic connectivity, and promote sustainable development.
Environmental Impacts on the East Sea: A Perspective from International Ethics
Ecological environmental issues, environmental pollution, and acts that damage the environment and the ecosystem are all concerns of international actors, and over time have entered the international agenda, becoming one of the factors that govern international life. From there, the behavior of a nation towards the environment is linked to the responsibility of the nation, linked to the concept of morality (of the nation) in international relations (international morality). A nation can choose the way to behave towards the environment and the ecosystem, that behavior can have negative or positive impacts on the environment and the ecosystem, thus causing impacts on the common interests of the international community, including the interests of other nations. In that spirit, c Considering a nation's behavior towards the environment and the ecosystem is an important basis for assessing a nation’s responsibilities and the morality in the international community. This article focuses on a representative case - the impacts on the environment and the ecosystem in the South China East Sea through the actions of coastal states, as such a study case, in the context of the long-lasting and serious disputes in the region for many years. Based on a number of methods such as data synthesis and analysis, discourse analysis as well as comparison of behavior, the article will evaluate international morality through nations’ behaviors and their impacts on the environment and the ecosystem in the South China East Sea. This article does not address demands or sovereignty disputes over Vietnam’s Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos.
Literature in China’s Soft Power Strategy since 2012
Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012, soft power has been promoted as a key component in the country’s foreign policy and national image-building strategy. China has implemented a comprehensive strategy to enhance its soft power in the process of becoming a global power. Within this strategy, literature has been identified as a particularly significant tool to “tell China’s story well” and to project China’s cultural identity and national image to the world. This article analyzes how China has utilized literature in its strategy of advancing soft power since 2012, focusing on state policies, publishing - translation activities and the globalizing trends of online literature and science fiction. Furthermore, the article evaluates the prospects and challenges associated with realizing the goal of spreading China’s soft power through literature.
A Shifting Sinosphere: The Responses of the Joseon Dynasty and the Nguyen Dynasty to Western Powers in the Nineteenth Century
As members of the East Asian community, Korea and Vietnam historically maintained close relations and shared numerous common values. These shared values of the East Asian community have formed a "Sinosphere" connecting the countries in the region. Studying the response of the Joseon Dynasty (Korea) and the Nguyen Dynasty (Vietnam) to the threats and challenges posed by Western powers in the 19th century provides deeper and more comprehensive perceptions of the context and political transformations of the East Asian social space. The article also focuses on analyzing the perceptions and responses of the two countries' authorities to Western powers and the multifaceted consequences of the foreign policies of the Joseon Dynasty and the Nguyen Dynasty. Building on this analysis, the article offers some explanations about the reasons behind success and failure, evaluates the results and draws lessons relevant for current efforts to safeguard national independence, sovereignty, national and ethnic interests.
North Korea - Mongolia Relations since Kim Jong-un Assumed Power
The relationship between North Korea and Mongolia was established during the Cold War period. However, since Kim Jong-un assumed power in late 2011, major changes in the regional and global geopolitical landscape have brought both new challenges and opportunities for their bilateral relations. This article focuses on analyzing the political and diplomatic ties between the two countries over the past decade, clarifying their key achievements, persistent challenges, and prospects for future cooperation. It also examines Mongolia’s role as an intermediary amid the current volatility in the regional environment.
China’s Three New Global Initiatives: Soft Power Strategy in the Middle East
This paper examines China’s soft power strategy in the Middle East through the implementation of its three new global initiatives: the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI). Drawing on Joseph Nye’s theoretical framework of soft power and discourse analysis of Chinese policy documents, official statement and media sources, the study clarifies how China integrates economic cooperation, security dialogue, and cultural exchange to strengthen its image and expand its influence in the region. However, these initiatives continue to face challenges related to transparency, cultural appeal, and regional competition for influence. The paper concludes that GDI, GSI, GCI are shaping an institutionalized model of soft power, and offers policy implications for Vietnam in fostering multilateral cooperation and ensuring strategic autonomy.
ChinaIndia Competition in Nepal and Bhutan since 2014
With their unique geographic position - sharing borders with both major powers, India and China, Nepal and Bhutan are witnessing increasingly intense competition between these neighboring powers. While Nepal and Bhutan have been considered under Indian traditional influence, China has recently embarked on a “charm offensive” towards its two Himalayan neighbors, placing both countries in a position of difficult policy choices. This article analyzes the current state of China-India competition in Nepal and Bhutan since Indian Prime Minister Modi took office in 2014. The findings point to the fact that in each field and in each country, China and India have different competitive advantages. Overall, this will be a long-term race in which India holds advantages due to socio-cultural similarities as well as its traditional ties with Nepal and Bhutan, while China benefits from being as a new partner with superior economic power.
India and Vietnam’s Power-balancing Strategies in the IndoPacific Region
This paper analyzes and compares Vietnam’s power-balancing strategy in the IndoPacific region, using India as a reference point to highlight the differences in how the two countries formulate and implement balancing policies. The study uses four criteria: (1) strategic objectives, (2) implementation instruments, (3) the U.S - China factor, and (4) the degree of alignment versus nonalignment. The findings indicate that, while India proactively pursues a balancing strategy to expand its regional influence, Vietnam adopts a balancing model primarily aimed at safeguarding sovereignty, maintaining stability and development. These differences reflect the disparities in capabilities, strategic positioning, and strategic orientation between the two countries. Based on these findings, the paper proposes several policy implications for Vietnam to strengthen its strategic autonomy and enhance its role within the emerging regional architecture.
Discussing The 4th Plenary Session of The 20th Central Committee
The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) took place from October 20 to October 23, 2025. The session reviewed and approved the “Proposal of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan for national economic and social development”, which prioritizes high-quality economic development, scientific and technological self-reliance, and military modernization, aiming to enhance comprehensive national power. This article discusses the contents of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee and compares them with the Fourth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee (held in 2019), thereby clarifying the continuity, development, and breakthrough changes between these two sessions.
Changes in South Korea’s Foreign and Security Perspectives as Reflected in Its IndoPacific Strategy
Based on the use of textual analysis and diplomatic moves of South Korea, this paper analyzes and studies how South Korea's foreign and security stance has changed as reflected in its Indo-Pacific Strategy. South Korea has shifted from maintaining the “Three Nos” principle, avoiding military alliances, harmoniously balancing US-China relations to adopting a new posture. The Indo- Pacific Strategy shows that South Korea has directly connected its foreign policy with the US, strengthened the comprehensive security cooperation, implying military - security collaboration not only on the Korean Peninsula but also in potential conflict hotspots of the region and the world.
An Assessment of the Implementation of Selected Commitments under the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint 2025
ASEAN has implemented the AEC Blueprint 2025, in which the fourth pillar places emphasis on ensuring people-centered integration, thereby enabling both enterprises and citizens to benefit from economic cooperation. This study focuses on three critical areas: the development of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs); the expansion of private sector participation; and the promotion of public - private partnerships (PPPs). The study highlights the progress achieved, persistent challenges, and the gap between commitments and actual implementation during the period 2015-2025. It also proposes policy recommendations aimed at enhancing MSMEs’ competitiveness, strengthening the voice of the private sector, and optimizing PPP resource mobilisation, thereby contributing to the goal of building an inclusive, dynamic, and sustainable AEC beyond 2025.
Japan’s Cherry Blossom Diplomacy and Lessons for Vietnam
Nowadays, in addition to hard power, many countries value the cultivation of soft power to build influence and achieve foreign policy objectives. Cultural diplomacy, an important instrument of soft power, has been effectively implemented by many countries, including Japan with “cherry blossom diplomacy”. Based on the theoretical framework of soft power, cultural diplomacy and national branding, this article analyzes and clarifies the concept and key features of “cherry blossom diplomacy”, evaluates its implementation, significance, impact, and finally suggests some lessons that Vietnam can draw upon in implementing cultural diplomacy, developing cultural industries and enhancing national soft power.
Social Issues in Shin Kyung-sook’s Novel “I Went to See my Father”
This article examines how social issues such as poverty, historical upheavals, and illness affect human psychology and the complexity of Korean family relationships in Shin Kyung-sook's novel I went to see my father. The novel depicts psychological trauma, generational gaps, and the challenging journey of family reconciliation. Through this analysis, the article highlights that the novel's core values, including family love, understanding, and the effort to reconnect, represent the strength that enables people to overcome both historical and everyday traumas, thus highlighting the extraordinary self-healing ability of Korean people.
Economic relations with China play a key role in North Korea's development strategy, especially as the country faces mounting pressure from international sanctions. As the largest partner in trade, investment and aid, China not only provides essential resources but also has a profound impact on North Korea's economic structure and direction. However, this relationship is not entirely stable. Since Kim Jong Un came to power in 2011, successive weapons tests have caused a rift in bilateral political relations, while international sanctions have further complicated their economic relations. Drawing on trade data and official reports, this article analyzes economic relations between North Korea and China, clarifies the importance, limitations and consequences of this dependence, thereby contributing to explaining the movement of the North Korean economy.
The Philippines’ Policy on the East Sea under President Marcos Jr.
Since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took power, with the affirmation of “a firm policy in dealing with China” and the commitment "I will not preside over any process that will abandon even one square inch of territory of the Republic of the Philippines to any foreign power.", the Marcos Jr. administration’s approach to the East Sea issue has undergone significant shifts compared to that of the previous the Duterte administration. President Marcos Jr. has implemented a multi-dimensional strategy, flexibly combining the protection of territorial sovereignty with enhanced defense cooperation and maintaining regional stability. This article clarifies the Philippines’ policy towards the East Sea issue since President Marcos Jr. took office, analyzes its implementation across political–diplomatic, security - defense, legal – information, propaganda dimensions. It also points out some impacts on regional security and the situation in the East Sea, thereby offering some implications for Vietnam.
The New Phase of the U.S - China tariff Confrontation: Developments, impacts, and Implications for Vietnam
The first months of 2025 marked a new phase of tension in the US-China economic relations, following the trade confrontation initiated in the period 2018-2019. Under President Donald Trump 2.0, a comprehensive tariff war was restarted, aiming to reshape the global trade order. China's retaliatory responses have pushed the world's two largest economies into a strategic confrontation. The article focuses on analyzing the US tariff measures and China's counteractions in the first half of 2025, the objectives of both sides, the impact on the two countries' and global economies, together with the challenges, opportunities and long-term policy implications for Vietnam.
Exploring the Experience of Building a Chinese National Community in Guangxi since the Founding of the People’s Republic of China
In the course of developing the diverse yet unified structure of the Chinese nation, the solidarity, stability and prosperous development of ethnic regions have played a crucial role in national construction. Guangxi, as an important area for ethnic affairs, offers valuable experiences and achievements worthy of in-depth analysis and reflection. This article reviews the process of promoting the building of the Chinese national community in Guangxi since the founding of the People's Republic of China, drawing experience and practical lessons from Guangxi's ongoing efforts to further promote the building of the Chinese national community in the context of the new era.
China's Solutions to Promote Consumption in the New Context
China's economy is entering an important transition period from an investment export-based growth model to one based on domestic consumption. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, especially from 2020 onward, in the context of a volatile international environment with weakening external demand, US-China trade tensions, a stagnant real estate market, rising unemployment, increasing household savings sentiment and prolonged deflationary pressure, China has implemented many direct and indirect measures to stimulate domestic consumption. These measures have yielded positive outcomes in stabilizing consumption and maintaining the growth momentum of the Chinese economy. Through analyzing the measures that China has applied, the article clarifies the outstanding features and draws valuable lessons for Vietnam in the process of boosting domestic demand and pursuing sustainable economic transformation.
B2C E-commerce in Japan: Current Situation and Development Policies
Business-to-Consumer (B2C) e-commerce refers to a form of commercial transaction in which businesses sell products or services directly to end consumers through electronic means, primarily via the Internet. This type of commerce has grown significantly over the past decade and is gradually replacing traditional forms of trade. Japan is one of the countries where B2C e commerce has developed considerably, thanks to the Japanese government’s implementation of numerous effective policies to promote its growth. This article analyzes and evaluates the current state of B2C e-commerce development in Japan over the past decade, as well as several key policies implemented by the Japanese government to foster the growth of this form of commerce.
Japan’s House of Councillors Election and Its Impacts on Japanese Politics
On the morning of July 20, 2025, Japanese voters went to the polls to re-elect half of the seats in the Japanese House of Councillors (124/248 seats). This is the most important and prominent political event in Japan in recent times. The election results revealed a major defeat for the ruling coalition between the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Komeito Party, which won only 47/124 seats, bringing their total to 122 out of 248 in the House of Councillors, falling short of a majority. This outcome has plunged Japanese politics into a very precarious situation, with the risk of political gridlock because the ruling coalition does not hold a majority in either houses of the Japanese Parliament. Within the scope of this paper, the author mentions the content of the election of the Japanese House of Councillors on July 20, 2025 with analysis and assessment of its impact on Japanese politics.
ASEAN’s Role in Regional Security in Southeast Asia and Its Implications for Vietnam
Amid the complex security landscape of Southeast Asia – marked by overlapping sovereignty disputes in the East Sea, the Myanmar’s political crisis, ethnic and religious conflicts and non-traditional security challenges, ASEAN plays a pivotal role in maintaining regional stability, serving both as a “norm builder” in sustaining peace and stability and a “mediator” among major powers. Drawing on Role Theory, this paper examines ASEAN’s role in regional security situation, exploring how external expectations and ASEAN’s internal self-perception influence how it behaves and positions itself in maintaining Southeast Asia’s security . Based on this analysis, the paper also offers implications for clarifying Vietnam’s position and strategic responses toward the current security situation in Southeast Asia.