The recent tariff announcement from President-elect Donald Trump to Mexico, Canada and China sent shock waves to the international community. Leaders from Canada and Mexico responded immediately, while China took the time. Some experts believe that Vietnam, one of the critical nations in Southeast Asia is slowly replacing China, as the leader in the economic world stage. Is Vietnam ready to shoulder such responsibilities? How should Vietnam balance the relationship between China and the US?

Dr Hai Hong Nguyen is currently a senior lecturer of politics, social change, and international relations in the College of Arts and Sciences at VinUniversity.