EU Vietnam trade

As the Trump administration flirts with a global trade war, the areas of shared interest between the EU and ASEAN are becoming ever more clear.

While the actual impacts remain to be seen, the conclusion of economic pacts offer gains for both sides.

The deal reveals Hanoi’s diplomatic acumen at negotiating past tensions relative to some of the other key Asian states in a similar environment.

The ruling party continues to adopt a tougher approach to dissent internally even in cases involving its important external partners.