They both have a bit in common. They’re both communist Asian states that the US went to war with during the Cold War and did not win. But the messaging regarding the two states is a lot different. DPRK is treated like the worst dictatorship ever, that kills you and your family for even thinking that the Kims are less than gods, whilst also starving. But Vietnam, they say… nothing.
Why isn’t Vietnam demonized like DPRK?
China hasn’t exactly been some benevolent geopolitical neighbor to Vietnam
yep, I don’t blame any of China’s smaller neighbours for being cautious about China.
I don’t blame DPRK for being cautious of China for following western sanction regimes against them, but the rest of the southeast Asian nations grievances with the PRC are overblown and exaggerated. Nothing akin to what the Americans did
they have when compared to the imperialist americans who slaughtered millions. equating disputes with fishing ships and territorial waters to full blown invasion and genocide is absurd
I don’t see anyone even suggesting they’re equal.
Also, consider that the PRC has previously launched a surprise land invasion of hundreds of thousands of soldiers back in 1979.
Again, in case it needs to be emphasized, pointing out China and Vietnam’s tensions is not equating China to the US in any way, that would be absurd.
It is a zero-sum game between whether Vietnam supports China more, or America more. Those are the multipolar blocs of power. That’s why they are being compared. The question being implicitly asked underneath this discussion is “who would Vietnam side with in a war or cold war between China and America? Or would they remain neutral” or put another way, in a correct-thinking anti-imperialist manner: Would Vietnam fight against imperialists or with them, or would they try to fail their duties of internationalism and solidarity and remain neutral?
There are legitimate concerns and hopes that Vietnam would participate as part of the ring of containment against China, alongside Japan, Occupied Korea, Occupied Chinese Taipei, India, etc. That they are brought up in this light isn’t damning? It’s the tug-of-war meme where you see who’s on your side and go wtf?
You realize Vietnam is AES state? You don’t have to do this
and? Does that make them immune to criticisms of revisionism and collaboration with imperialists? China is guilty of this as well. There is a liberal rot in both of their foreign policy apparatuses, and they need to purge them and stand in solidarity with each other - not bicker and run off to America when spurned. Both are far too chummy with the Israelis and Americans. There’s only so long the “we trade with everyone equally” excuse holds up to scrutiny before it collapses, and that was some time ago. Capital has strong footholds in both, and this is a serious problem that is warping their decision making to be more nationalistic and short-sighted.