Fifty years after the war, Vietnam faces a new US threat - tariffs

In Vietnam, a young college student named Tung Linh is filled with hope for her country's future. At just 20 years old, she admits that she knows very little about the long and bloody war that took place between North Vietnam and South Vietnam, which was supported by the United States. With a smile, she wears the Vietnamese flag on her cheek, a symbol of her pride. Tung Linh reflects on her grandparents who fought in the war, and she feels grateful that their sacrifices have allowed her to live in a time when she can look up at the sky and see airplanes without fear. As Vietnam prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the end of the war, the country has transformed significantly. It is now a vibrant and rapidly growing nation, where people are working hard to improve their lives. The Communist government has begun to embrace some aspects of capitalism, aiming to become a reliable manufacturing hub and an alternative to China. However, this ambition comes with risks, especially in light of the trade war initiated by US President Donald Trump, who is threatening to impose high tariffs on Vietnam. Such tariffs could severely impact the country's economic potential. Vietnam has a rich and complex history, having been a French colony and a battleground during the war. Now, it finds itself in a new struggle, as the US seeks to limit China's rise as an economic superpower. The median age in Vietnam is just 33 years, making it a young country compared to its neighbors like Thailand and China. Tung Linh, who is studying economics and marketing, dreams of having a successful career that will contribute to her country's growth. She also hopes to achieve personal success. Ho Chi Minh City, where she resides, is a bustling metropolis with a population of 10 million people. The city is filled with tall buildings, busy streets, and a mix of modern and traditional elements. Once known as Saigon, it was the capital of South Vietnam before the war ended. Today, it is named after Ho Chi Minh, the leader of North Vietnam. On the anniversary of the war's conclusion, many people in Vietnam celebrate their reunification as one nation. Tung Linh and her friends were thrilled to see soldiers during a parade, expressing their excitement about the day they became one country again. While the war was a painful chapter in their history, many young people like Tung Linh prefer to focus on the future and the opportunities that lie ahead. Another young woman named Minh, who is 18 years old, is studying to become a lawyer. She shares her aspirations of being successful and wealthy, emphasizing the importance of working with Americans for Vietnam's future. The government is also taking steps to improve the situation by reducing the number of government employees and streamlining processes to make it easier for businesses to operate. They aim to attract more investments and create job opportunities for the population. Vietnam's economy is steadily growing, and the government is determined to avoid falling into the 'middle-income trap,' where growth slows before the country can achieve wealth. They are welcoming back individuals who left the country after the war, and many are returning to invest in businesses. The Vietnamese government is supportive of new investments, particularly in the electronics sector, which is moving out of China. Some young businesswomen from southern China are establishing factories in Vietnam to export products to the US. They are excited about the opportunities in Vietnam, even though they are concerned about potential tariffs. As Vietnam celebrates its 50 years of independence and the end of the war, it faces challenges. The country must navigate its relationship with both America and China, as it cannot afford to choose one over the other. Recently, Vietnam rolled out the red carpet for Chinese leader Xi Jinping, indicating a desire to maintain good relations with its neighbor. However, the relationship is complex, and Vietnam must tread carefully as it balances its interests between the two powerful nations. Many people in Vietnam, including those who experienced the war, want to move forward and not dwell on the past. They believe in peace and progress, and they aspire to work together with Americans for a brighter future. The country has made significant strides in improving the lives of its citizens, and there is a sense of optimism for what lies ahead.