Vietnam Defence Forum

[Viet]

Let return. some news of the day.

Netherlands queen Maxima in Vietnam. A small country however with a industrial capacity of a giant, especially in agriculture.

High expectation before the summit in the While House. Some western media as Reuters report Vietnam and US businesses will sign deals worth $17 billion. I'm very curious to see how Donald Trump receives Vietnam government chief. During his recent visit to Europe, Trump blasts Angela Merkel in the public, criticizing Germany trade and defense policy, pushing the relationship to a crisis not seen since decades. The Germans are not amused.

The 4 countries of Latin America: Mexico, Peru, Columbia and Chile want a stronger tie with Vietnam. That is nice.

http://www.plenglish.com/index.php?...o-and-peru-promote-stronger-ties-with-vietnam

 

[Viva_Viet]

Viet said, your relations with China are complicated. Its best that both countries try to reconcile so as to not fall for the West divide and rule tactics. No point saying how China is bad, it will just invite Chinese members to blast right back.
Again according to Viet, Vietnamese do not dwell on the past but look to the future, and yet members like yourself keep getting stuck in the time tunnel. I am no expert on China Vietnam relations, but both countries should cooperate and break out of this devious scheme to create conflict among Asians.
I believe the rise of China has benefited Vietnam.
Vietnam has witnessed how a communist country can prosper with the right economic policies and democracy is not a prerequisite.
Investments from Chinese companies had helped kick start the Vietnamese industrialization.
Please correct me if I got it wrong as I said before I am neither an expert nor from China.

China had been relatively benign when they were powerful. They are not like the Japanese who force their way of life and Japanese names onto the Koreans and the Ryukyuans(Okinawa). I believe the Vietnamese did not lose their way of life and culture to the Chinese as well.
Likewise Chinese naval commander Zheng He did not impose their will upon those countries they visit in their powerful ships. Sri Lanka bears witness to the help that Zheng He render to them during the Chinese naval commander travels. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ming-Kotte_War

Contrast the Chinese with the marauding Western colonialist who commit plunder, genocide and enslavement of those they visit. A visit from the colonialist is like a visit from Satan. Whereas the Chinese are welcomed, as can be verified by the account of the Sulu(Philippines) Sultan.
http://www.philstar.com/opinion/2015/09/12/1498840/sultan-sulu-buried-china

The Chinese had been plying the South China Seas like their lake since centuries ago, and that's how there are so many Chinese diaspora in South East Asia since centuries ago.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Philippines__(900–1521)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish-Moro_conflict
Therefore I believe that the South China Sea islands belong to China. Just my personal belief, won't debate it with you.

I believe China is open to negotiations with Vietnam to move forward and leave the past behind.
In this I support Duterte. Bread and butter are more important than fighting for far away islands that the Philippines presently have no power or expertise to reap any benefit. leave that for a later time.
Looking forward to a unified prosperous Asia I remain.
.

Its not just "keep getting stuck in the time tunnel" as everyone can see that, in history CN useless army alone could not stop VN expansion, thats why Deng must beg for help from JP-US to stop VN in 1979

*A part of Thailand became the land of "French Indochina."

. https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/indo...onesian-officer-held-by-vietnam.497884/page-2

But now, US-JP turn to support VN, so unifying sub-Mekong region is just a matter of time. When VN can unify sub Mekong and take control of Malacca strait, then you can 'retire' in CN coz VN will send all "CN supporter " back to CN main land just like we sent back all CNese ethnic in VN-Laos-Cambodia who supportted CN back to CN main land in 1979 .

 

[sinait]

Its not just "keep getting stuck in the time tunnel" as everyone can see that, in history CN useless army alone could not stop VN expansion, thats why Deng must beg for help from JP-US to stop VN in 1979.
*A part of Thailand became the land of "French Indochina."

. https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/indo...onesian-officer-held-by-vietnam.497884/page-2

But now, US-JP turn to support VN, so unifying sub-Mekong region is just a matter of time. When VN can unify sub Mekong and take control of Malacca strait, then you can 'retire' in CN coz VN will send all "CN supporter " back to CN main land just like we sent back all CNese ethnic in VN-Laos-Cambodia who supportted CN back to CN main land in 1979 .

Forgot to take your pills?? CIA paid shill??
.

 

[Viet]

Come on boys, let remain calm and cool

An interview with Michael Michalak, the former U.S. ambassador to Vietnam. After a little discourse to history he explains how Vietnam responds to China increasing threat, expecting Vietnam to emerge as leader of Southeast Asia and ASEAN. We will see how far we can achieve but I bet sis Mado may not be happy.

 

[xiao qi]

Come on boys, let remain calm and cool

An interview with Michael Michalak, the former U.S. ambassador to Vietnam. After a little discourse to history he explains how Vietnam responds to China increasing threat, expecting Vietnam to emerge as leader of Southeast Asia and ASEAN. We will see how far we can achieve but I bet sis Mado may not be happy.

View attachment 400246

when did we want to become the leader of ASEAN? In Vietnam, I rarely hear about that, We always said the ASEAN was the pond of a poor village, and in some aspects It is really a pond, like Seagame. Indonesian has capability and ability to become a power of Asia more than a pond like ASEAN. Vietnam better goes away American and keep the safe distance with American. Keep China in sea is enough, dont need to counter them.

 

[Viet]

when did we want to become the leader of ASEAN? In Vietnam, I rarely hear about that, We always said the ASEAN was the pond of a poor village, and in some aspects It is really a pond, like Seagame. Indonesian has capability and ability to become a power of Asia more than a pond like ASEAN. Vietnam better goes away American and keep the safe distance with American. Keep China in sea is enough, dont need to counter them.

Sis I sometimes wish the sky will always be blue with no clouds, but the reality is different. You have sunny days and you have raining and storming days. It is the prediction of the former US ambassador to Vietnam that our country becomes a leader of ASEAN. If it comes or not does not matter, but I think it is better than someone ditates our fate.

No Indonesia has neither the capacity nor the will to fight for Vietnam. Only delusional dreamers believe the indo will intervene on Vietnam behalf if the Chinese turn the region into a slaughterhouse. Have you read indonesia white paper, the official defense policy? For them, the SC sea conflict does not exist. Any confrontation can be ruled out.

Do you believe anyone in SE Asia will stand up if the Chinese take the islands and seas from Vietnam?

How do you want to keep the Chinese at distance but not wanting to confront them? If the Chinese continue to advance in the South China Sea, taking the control piece by piece, the day is not far away, when our fishermen and our navy can't more go than our coast line.

America is no longer Vietnam's enemy. Why should we not increase our cooperation with them? Should we stop our cooperations with France and Japan too because they are our former enemies? But for what reasons? To sastify some peaceful rise propaganda of some people, keeping our nation weak, poor and vulnerable?

 

[xiao qi]

Sis I sometimes wish the sky will always be blue with no clouds, but the reality is different. You have sunny days and you have raining and storming days. It is the prediction of the former US ambassador to Vietnam that our country becomes a leader of ASEAN. If it comes or not does not matter, but I think it is better than someone ditates our fate.

No Indonesia has neither the capacity nor the will to fight for Vietnam. Only delusional dreamers believe the indo will intervene on Vietnam behalf if the Chinese turn the region into a slaughterhouse. Have you read indonesia white paper, the official defense policy? For them, the SC sea conflict does not exist. Any confrontation can be ruled out.

Do you believe anyone in SE Asia will stand up if the Chinese take the islands and seas from Vietnam?

How do you want to keep the Chinese at distance but not wanting to confront them? If the Chinese continue to advance in the South China Sea, taking the control piece by piece, the day is not far away, when our fishermen and our navy can't more go than our coast line.

America is no longer Vietnam's enemy. Why should we not increase our cooperation with them? Should we stop our cooperations with France and Japan too because they are our former enemies? But for what reasons? To sastify some peaceful rise propaganda of some people, keeping our nation weak, poor and vulnerable?

No, I dont believe Indonesia will become Vietnam's ally to against China on SCS, They has no reason and interests to do that, Even when they are, we also can't against China's aggression on SCS. Indonesia in my thought is not a real power now. But I have friendly eyes for all countries over the world. This includes Indonesia. Vietnam and Indo has no conflicts and I think We should improve the relation between two countries more than the quarrel. Well, Maybe my knowledge is so limited to give the suitable opinion. I know I need to learn more and more than. In Vietnam has one proverb: Between the fighting of two buffalos , the mosquito would die. I dont want we become the mosquito and a pawn of the exchange the interests between China and USA like the USSR and China in the past. Do you believe USA want to stand up to against China in SCS? I dont think, They only want to bargain more interests from China. No more, Put the belief in USA is so naive.

 

[Viet]

No, I dont believe Indonesia will become Vietnam's ally to against China on SCS, They has no reason and interests to do that, Even when they are, we also can't against China's agression on SCS. Indonesia in my thought is not a real power now. But I have friendly eyes for all countries over the world. This including Indonesia. Vietnam and Indo has no conflicts and I think We should improve the relation between two countries more than the quarrel. Well, Maybe my knowledge is so limited to give the suitable opinion. I know I need to learn more and more than. In Vietnam has one proverb: Between the fighting of two buffalos , the mosquito would die. I dont want we become the mosquito and a pawn of the exchange the interests between China and USA like the USSR and China in the past. Do you believe USA want to stand up to against China in SCS? I dont think, They only want to bargain more interests from China. No more, Put the belief in USA is so naive.

Look, our intention is clear: we want to defend our territories at all cost. Everything else is secondary. Regardless of our enemy be an elephant or a mosquito. It is up to the US or Japan if they want to ally with us or not in our fight. If I was them I would think how the US want to defend the Philippines and Singapore if the Chinese take over the SC sea, forbidding the operation of US warships. How long can Japan survive if Japanese vessels can't sail thru the waters of the most important sea lanes?

The fate of Korea and Taiwan would be at risk too.

Of course the cheap rhetoric of ASEAN leadership is not worth a penny, solving the escalating conflict.

Sure a possible fight between the US and China is not our fight. We just watch.

You should avoid falling into the trap, using the word "pawn" often used by the Chinese to insult our nation and people.

 

[Carlosa]

No, I dont believe Indonesia will become Vietnam's ally to against China on SCS, They has no reason and interests to do that, Even when they are, we also can't against China's aggression on SCS. Indonesia in my thought is not a real power now. But I have friendly eyes for all countries over the world. This includes Indonesia. Vietnam and Indo has no conflicts and I think We should improve the relation between two countries more than the quarrel. Well, Maybe my knowledge is so limited to give the suitable opinion. I know I need to learn more and more than. In Vietnam has one proverb: Between the fighting of two buffalos , the mosquito would die. I dont want we become the mosquito and a pawn of the exchange the interests between China and USA like the USSR and China in the past. Do you believe USA want to stand up to against China in SCS? I dont think, They only want to bargain more interests from China. No more, Put the belief in USA is so naive.

Indonesia does have the potential to be a sort of leader in ASEAN, but from having the potential to actually doing it are 2 very different things, we'll have to see. Indo has a lot of challenges and issues. I don't see it anytime soon.

When it comes to SCS they've been trying to stay neutral and they are trying to get a lot of investment from China. I don't see Indo challenging China other than in the Natuna area. Their interests and ASEAN interests are not quite the same.

 

[Viet]

Approved. One more star. Congrats to US Major General Lương Xuân Việt. Maybe we can see soon some pictures from the 8th army stationed in South Korea.

 

[Svantana]

Have you read indonesia white paper, the official defense policy? For them, the SC sea conflict does not exist. A

first of all I do not mean to offend anybody here,

this is an 2015 Indonesian defence white paper.
https://www.kemhan.go.id/wp-content...NESIA-DEFENCE-WHITE-PAPER-ENGLISH-VERSION.pdf

"the execution of Indonesia’s national defence is intended to maintain and protect the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and safety of the nation. The national defence is managed in a total defence system, which is non- aggressive and expansive to protect national interests. To solve problems related to and affecting the national defence, Indonesia must prioritise diplomacy supported by modern military force."
---------
We never intent to interupt any domestic affairs neighbour country Indonesia's has, it says in our basic 1945 constitution.
--------
"To respond to every dynamic, Indonesia actively encourages global partnerships, promotes the spirit of togetherness and establishes a dynamic equilibrium, a condition characterized by the absence of a dominant state power in the region. This is established on the basis of trust as an opportunity for the increased cooperation and partnership to enhance the nation’s defence power.

In a traditional security perspective, the Asia-Pacific region has very complex opportunities and challenges as well as the risk factors that can lead to conflict between nations. South China Sea, East China Sea, the Korean Peninsula disputes, and the tension around some borders needs to be addressed wisely."

we aware about situation in regions around, And we must always be prepared to face the challenges in the region, in last few years we have always conducted military exercises in the Natuna island area to support our readiness if at times the circumstances we do not want to happen in that area. Free to read that link if anyone want to know more about indonesia's defense white paper.

Friendship greetings from Indonesia, Salute

 

[Carlosa]

Trump may turn to Vietnam for help on South China Sea
Nyshka Chandran | @nyshkac
10 Hours AgoCNBC.com
http://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/31/trump-may-turn-to-vietnam-for-help-on-south-china-sea.html?

Hanoi could emerge as a key player in Washington's long-term Southeast Asia push that's aimed at neutralizing Beijing's influence in the South China Sea.

On Wednesday, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc will be the first ASEAN leader to visit the White House since President Donald Trump's election and the U.S. may look to tap into the emerging market's friction with China.

Reuters
A satellite image released by the Asian Maritime Transparency Initiative at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies shows construction of possible radar tower facilities in the Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea.

"Vietnam sits in a very interesting position in Southeast Asia," said Rodger Baker, vice president of strategic analysis at geopolitical intelligence firm Stratfor. Because Hanoi maintains a strong position against Beijing's activities in the South China Sea, Trump may eye Vietnam as a potential counter to China in the disputed area, Baker explained.


The world's second-largest economy claims 90 percent of the sea, home to over 250 islands and rich natural gas reserves, while Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan assert ownership of certain parts. And as Beijing ramps up island-building and military construction in the maritime region — reports recently emerged of Chinese rocket launchers in the Spratly Islands — Hanoi has not shied away from publicly denouncing the mainland.

In 2014, Vietnam witnessed violent protests as demonstrators criticized China's assertiveness in the important waterway while Vietnamese officials lambasted Beijing in March after a Chinese cruise ship visited the Paracel Islands, which are claimed by both countries.

China's territorial expansion has also irked Washington, with Trump promising vowing to halt Beijing's construction of artificial islands days after taking office. And while the president's hands are currently tied as he seeks the mainland's help on reigning in a hostile North Korea, the South China Sea issue still looms large — last week, the Chinese navy deployed two missile frigates to a U.S. Navy warship that sailed near the China-claimed Spratly Islands.

The Vietnamese PM's visit to Washington "adds momentum to a U.S.-Vietnam relationship that is moving in an increasingly strategic direction," Jonathan Stromseth, senior fellow at Brookings, described in a recent note.



Vietnam PM goes to Washington: What to expect 14 Hours Ago | 01:23
Indeed, the two allies have already initiated a series of bilateral military exchanges that could raise eyebrows in Beijing.

"Within the past week or so, Washington has delivered small vessels to the Vietnamese coast guard, there have been naval exchange visits (and) the U.S. has also waived some restrictions on arms exports to Vietnam," said Baker, adding that he expected this type of military cooperation to continue.

Of course, Vietnam isn't Trump's sole ASEAN ally in the maritime conflict.

The White House has been visibly cozying up to several Southeast Asian nations "in the context of rising Chinese influence and growing concerns about the U.S. staying power in the region, particularly after (Washington's) withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership," Stromseth explained.

Over the past month, Vice President Mike Pence has visited Indonesia, Trump has telephoned several ASEAN leaders, including controversial Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, while Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has hosted ASEAN foreign ministers in Washington.

The White House's demonstrated commitment to the region could "foster conditions that enable constructive multilateral engagement with China in the Asia-Pacific, helping to mitigate strategic rivalry between Washington and Beijing over the long term," Stromseth said.

 

[Viet]

Vietnamese American to Play the ‘Biggest New Part’ in ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’

Ryan General

“The Last Jedi” panel at the Star Wars Celebration on Friday unveiled the character Rose, a “Resistance” maintenance worker played by Asian American Kelly Marie Tran.

While it was revealed that she will be joining the main heroes from “The Force Awakens”, not much else was made known about Tran’s character during the panel.

Asked by USA Today how similar she is to Rose, Tran responded simply: “It’s a hard line to say where one person starts and one person ends. Carrie Fisher said something like that and I feel the same way.”

According to IGN, Tran also didn’t want to reveal much and was tight-lipped on her “biggest new part”.

In fact, she even kept her involvement with the film secret from everyone she knew: “I told them I was doing an indie movie in Canada. At one point, I actually got some maple syrup so I could bring it back to them so they actually thought I was in Canada.”

She explained, “I just want to do it justice, so thank you, everyone, for letting me be here.”

Shedding more light on the role, director Rian Johnson compared Tran’s character to a young Luke Skywalker.

“[She] has the biggest new part in the movie and ironically is played by the smallest actor,” Johnson said of Tran’s part. “She’s not a soldier. She’s not looking to be a hero, but she gets pulled into a very big adventure with Finn.”

Tran, who has appeared in a series of CollegeHumor Originals, eventually migrated to TV via NBC’s sitcom adaptation of “About a Boy” and Amazon’s “Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street”. She joins Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Mark Hamill, the late Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Gwendoline Christie and Andy Serkis for “Star Wars Episode VIII”, which will hit theaters on December 15 of this year.


http://nextshark.com/kelly-marie-tran-star-wars-the-last-jedi/amp/

 

[Viet]

The flying eye docs make stop in Vietnam. Nice.

Phuc arrives Washington. Cloudy.

 

[Carlosa]

PM orders urgent actions to curb illegal fishing

VNA MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017


Illustrative image (Source: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – The Prime Minister on May 28 issued an official dispatch urging urgent actions to curb and prevent illegal operation of Vietnamese fishing boats and fishermen in foreign waters.

Dispatch No. 732/CD-TTg was issued in the context of rising violations of foreign waters since the end of 2015, involving Vietnamese fishing boats and fishermen, especially those from the central provinces of Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh and Binh Thuan, and the southern provinces of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Kien Giang, Ca Mau, Ben Tre and Tien Giang.

Their violations have harmed Vietnam’s image in the international area and caused adverse impacts on the country’s seafood export, the document said.

Accordingly, the PM required the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) to promptly submit to the Government for approval a national programme of action on preventing illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, saying the programme must be put into place right after the approval.

At the same time, the ministry should intensify law enforcement to prevent illegal fishing and impose stricter punishment on both individuals and organisations that violate legal regulations in the field.

The ministry is instructed to increase negotiations to sign fishery cooperation agreements, set up hotlines to supervise fishing activities and conduct joint patrols with concerned countries.

The PM urged the MARD to instruct fisheries surveillance forces to increase law enforcement while coordinating with ministries, agencies, localities and international organisations to popularise national and international fisheries regulations among relevant organisations and individuals.

The Ministry of National Defence was required to instruct competent agencies to keep a close watch on fishing boats at sea, step up patrols in bordering and overlapping waters to stop Vietnamese fishing boats from violating foreign waters as well as prevent foreign fishing boats from entering Vietnam’s waters.

Both ministries were asked to review and amend relevant current policies and regulations to tighten the management of fishing activities.

The PM requested the Ministry of Public Security to team up with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to swiftly identify fishermen arrested by foreign countries to soon bring them home, and strictly manage the released fishermen.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was tasked with protecting Vietnamese fishermen detained abroad and opposing the illegal arrest of Vietnamese fishermen in the country’s waters or overlapping areas without clear delimitation between Vietnam and other countries.

The Ministry of Information and Communications was ordered to enhance the popularisation of relevant regulations among the public, and coordinate with concerned ministries to announce outcomes of investigation and punishment against individuals and organisations that organize illegal fishing activities.

The PM also required the People’s Committees of cities and provinces, especially Quang Ngai, Kien Giang, Ca Mau, Binh Dinh, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Binh Thuan, Ben Tre and Tien Giang, to take measures to punish authorities of localities where there are many illegal fishing activities by fishing boats and fishermen before August 15, 2017.

The Chairman of provincial or municipal People’s Committees and heads of administrations at lower levels will have to bear responsibility before the PM if they fail to stop the illegal fishing.

The Prime Minister also instructed several sanctions against fishing boat owners who have repeatedly made violations.-VNA