Russia and America vie for influence in Vietnam

Despite the visibly popular pro-American sentiment on the streets, the Vietnamese government tends to be guarded in its approach to relations with Washington. “Russia definitely enjoys excellent political relations with Vietnam especially when compared to the West,” says the diplomat in Ho Chi Minh City.

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Russian community in Vung Tau

As a cool breeze from the South China Sea brings much-needed respite on a warm and humid afternoon, a group of Russians patiently queue up at the Gastronom to buy borsch, vinegret, mashed potatoes and a variety of main courses on offer. Welcome to the Vung Tau’s Russian village: a medium-sized gated community that is home to employees of Vietsovpetro, a Russian-Vietnamese oil and gas explorer.....

My article about the Russian community in Vung Tau was published by RBTH Asia