But can they sing Karaoke?: new member Vietnam may struggle to fit in

Article Abstract:

Vietnam's imminent membership in the ASEAN forum will demand many changes, but both the country and the region are already far different from what anyone expected five years ago. Vietnam was not really ready to join, but pressed for membership for strategic reasons, both to counter China's growing might and to indicate its acceptance of a role in the community of nations. Other ASEAN members say it is welcome in, but will resist any efforts to use them as a foil against China. The economic impact on Vietnam remains uncertain.

Cover Story, International relations, Association of Southeast Asian Nations

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Unhealed winds: party plenum dominated by concerns over China

Article Abstract:

Vietnam is irked over the approval by China of a contract granting Colorado-based Crestone Energy Corp the right to explore oil in the disputed Spratley Islands. The territory has been claimed by China, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and the Philippines. China's move is seen by Vietnam as an indication that the former regards the islands as its own. This latest development has further soured relations between the two countries.

International aspects, Boundary disputes

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