China and Vietnam plan upgraded transportation links and digital collaborations during President Xi Jinping's visit to Hanoi. China offers grants, shifting from loans, impacting existing Western-backed projects. The rail upgrade spans rare earth-rich regions. China's Digital Silk Road aims to boost global digital connections, including plans for Vietnam's infrastructure. Vietnam's response remains uncertain due to sovereignty and security concerns.
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#China #Vietnam #Beijing #Hanoi #BRI #SilkRoad #DigitalSilkRoad #Biden #SouthChinaSea #Worldnews #Oneindia #Oneindianews
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NewsTranscript
00:00 China and Vietnam are set to finalize enhanced transportation connections this week, potentially
00:06 encompassing upgraded rail systems and infrastructure advancements, including digital initiatives.
00:12 These anticipated announcements coincide with President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to
00:15 Hanoi, marking his first visit to the Southeast Asian neighbor in six years.
00:20 Funny how this happens right after President Biden's trip there a few months back, isn't
00:24 it?
00:25 Reportedly, China is prepared to extend grants to Vietnam for the improvement of railway
00:28 linking Kien Ming to the Vietnamese city port of Haiphong, as well as for the enhancement
00:32 of other transportation networks from southern China to Hanoi.
00:36 The offer of non-refundable aid from China though signifies a significant departure from
00:40 the traditional approach, considering Vietnam's historical reluctance to engage in such a
00:44 loan-based partnership.
00:45 However, specific details regarding the potential existence of such grants and loans still remain
00:50 unclear.
00:51 Now, this does raise questions about the extent and nature of China's proposed support.
00:55 This proposal, if confirmed, could impact the ongoing infrastructure initiatives in
00:59 Vietnam, particularly those supported by Western nations and the United States, predominantly
01:05 offering loans at market rates to facilitate Vietnam's reduction in coal usage.
01:10 And as mentioned before, one significant project is the proposed Kien Ming-Haiphong rail upgrade,
01:14 transversing a region abundant in rare earths.
01:17 A resource Vietnam has been unable to exploit fully due to technological limitations, these
01:21 rare earth minerals though still hold a substantial value, particularly in industries relying
01:26 on electric vehicles and wind turbines.
01:29 However, in addition to the transportation enhancement, China is also aiming to strengthen
01:33 digital ties with Vietnam.
01:35 This initiative includes discussions around various forms of digital interconnection,
01:38 aligning with China's Digital Silk Road Program, a component of the broader Belt and Road Initiative.
01:43 Now, what exactly is this Digital Silk Road Program?
01:46 Well, let us explain.
01:48 This new Digital Silk Road of China is a strategic initiative in the BRI framework that is aiming
01:53 to expand China's influence in the technological and digital infrastructure globally.
01:59 It focuses on establishing digital connectivity, including construction of digital centres,
02:03 optical fibres and telecommunication infrastructure in partner countries.
02:07 Even in Vietnam, China plans to do so.
02:10 Potential discussions between China and Vietnam may involve addition of submarine cables,
02:13 considering Vietnam's experience disruption in the undersea digital infrastructure.
02:17 However, will Vietnam accept it?
02:19 That remains unlikely.
02:20 However, Vietnam's stance on the initiative remains somewhat ambiguous.
02:24 Although statements from the foreign ministry and President Ngo Van Thong highlight the
02:28 importance of bolstering digital infrastructure concerns over national security, particularly
02:33 in disputed regions like the South China Sea, and indeed it could influence Vietnam's decision-making
02:38 program regarding the collaborative ventures.
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