An investigation by The New York Times reveals that Vietnam has significantly increased its military purchases from Russia, employing covert financial channels to circumvent sanctions. Despite strengthening ties with the US, Vietnam resumed major arms deals with Russia by 2024, potentially accelerating when Trump returned to office. Documents from Russian state exporter Rostec indicate a potential $8 billion deal, including fighter jets, alongside electronic warfare systems and mobile jammers. To facilitate payments, Vietnam and Russia established a scheme using joint oil-and-gas ventures. This move reflects a broader geopolitical strategy by Vietnam to diversify its suppliers and navigate regional tensions, as one official stated that the US should focus on cooperation in non-military sectors rather than pressuring Vietnam to cease arms purchases from Russia.
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Fistful of dollars and rice for Vietnam farmers displaced for $1.5 billion Trump golf club – it’s hard to ignore the raw deal. Imagine being Nguyen Thi Huong, a Vietnamese farmer, and suddenly being told you have to leave your land. For what? A golf course. And what are you offered in return? A measly $3,200 and some rice. That’s the reality for some farmers who are facing displacement for a project backed by the Trump family. It’s a scenario that’s hard to stomach, especially when considering the scale of the development.
The contrast is stark. On one side, you have a multi-billion dollar golf resort, the first partnership for the Trump family in Vietnam.… Continue reading
Divers continue to search Halong Bay, Vietnam, after a sightseeing ship capsized in a squall on Saturday, with at least 34 bodies recovered and 11 rescued. The vessel, carrying 53 people, including tourists and crew, was caught in a storm and lost its GPS signal. Rescue efforts are hampered by heavy rain and limited visibility, as authorities utilize multiple boats and rescue craft. The search focuses on the cockpit and engine room of the ship, while a survivor details the desperation to locate missing family members, as the popular tourist destination, a UNESCO World Heritage site, sees many people in critical need of assistance.
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Vietnam’s admission as a Brics partner country was announced by Brazil, the current Brics chair. This decision reflects Vietnam’s substantial population, robust economy, and commitment to multilateralism and South-South cooperation. Brazil emphasized Vietnam’s alignment with Brics’ goals of a more inclusive global order. The addition strengthens the Brics group’s presence in Asia and its broader agenda of global governance reform.
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A $1.5 billion luxury development, including three 18-hole golf courses, broke ground in Vietnam, spearheaded by the Trump Organization and local partner Kinhbac City. The project, approved swiftly by Vietnamese authorities, was lauded by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Eric Trump, who emphasized its potential to become a leading Asian resort. This collaboration comes amidst ongoing U.S.-Vietnam trade negotiations, with Vietnam offering various concessions. Further Trump Organization projects, including a potential skyscraper in Ho Chi Minh City, are under consideration.
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Apple projects a $900 million cost increase for the second quarter of 2025 due to existing U.S. tariffs on Chinese-sourced components. To mitigate this, the company is shifting production: iPhones will primarily be manufactured in India, while Macs, Apple Watches, and AirPods will be made in Vietnam. Despite these tariff-related expenses and a slight revenue decline in China, Apple reported strong overall Q2 earnings with revenue up 5% year-over-year. However, concerns remain about the potential impact of tariffs in the second half of the year.
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China and Vietnam recently signed a multitude of agreements during Xi Jinping’s visit to Hanoi, a development that’s sparked considerable debate. This flurry of deals, encompassing everything from rail links to supply chains and even aircraft manufacturing collaborations, occurred against the backdrop of escalating US tariff tensions. The timing is undeniably significant, prompting questions about the implications for global trade and geopolitical alliances.
The sheer number of agreements—forty-five in total—highlights the depth and breadth of the newly solidified relationship between the two nations. The inclusion of deals on crucial infrastructure projects like rail links signals a commitment to enhancing trade connectivity, potentially creating a more efficient and less reliant route for the movement of goods.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood