Vietnam’s Young Generation Shifts View of China from Fear to Fascination

Post by : Saif Nasser

Attitudes toward China in Vietnam are changing, especially among young people. Once seen as a threat due to past wars, China is now increasingly viewed as “cool” and admired by Vietnamese youth. This shift is helping the governments of both countries push forward economic projects and strengthen diplomatic ties.

Young Vietnamese Admire Chinese Troops

Last month, young Vietnamese women lined up for hours in Hanoi to watch a military parade featuring Chinese troops. The scene highlights how perceptions of China have softened in recent years. Some attendees described the soldiers as “disciplined” and “flawless”, while videos of the parade gained millions of views on TikTok.

Le Huyen My, a 22-year-old graduate, said, “It was worth the wait. So cool. I admire their discipline.”

Social Media Plays a Key Role

Social media, especially TikTok, is helping shape this new image. When Vietnamese users search for “China” on the platform, they see positive videos showing Chinese cities, culture, and synchronized military drills. Meanwhile, videos about the South China Sea often show general news rather than anti-China sentiment.

Experts note that China has previously used online campaigns to promote its image abroad. TikTok, owned by Chinese tech company ByteDance, has more than 67 million users in Vietnam, giving it wide influence among youth.

Shift Driven by Economics and Diplomacy

This change is not just online. Sensitive projects like high-speed rail links and special economic zones near China are moving forward without the protests that once blocked them. In 2018, widespread demonstrations forced Vietnam to cancel similar projects due to fears of too much Chinese influence.

Economists and scholars say that economic interests are now stronger than nationalism. China is a top investor in Vietnam, and trade tensions with the United States have encouraged Vietnam to take a pragmatic approach toward its northern neighbor.

Growing Interest in Chinese Language and Culture

Interest in China extends beyond economics. Vietnam now leads the world in registrations for the HSK Chinese Proficiency Test, which measures non-native speakers’ knowledge of Chinese. Online searches for Chinese movies and culture have also increased significantly.

Balancing Pride and Admiration

Despite admiration, many young Vietnamese still value their own country’s pride and military. Nguyen Hue Van, a 21-year-old student, said, “The Chinese troops look fascinating, but our soldiers are still the best.”

Scholars note that state influence and controlled nationalism contribute to the shift, but interest in China remains strong among youth. As Vietnam balances economic growth and national identity, this new attitude toward China may shape the country’s foreign relations for years to come.