Philippines, Vietnam Deepen Defense Ties Amid China's South China Sea Assertiveness
The Vietnamese dong firmed as the country's diplomatic outreach to the Philippines signals a unified front against Chinese assertiveness, potentially reducing regional conflict risk and attracting investment to Vietnam.
- ▼ Vietnam-Philippines strategic cooperation agreement
- ▲ Vietnam's high trade dependency on China
- ▲ Dong's managed float restricts free movement
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Why did the dong strengthen on this news?
Vietnam's initiative to bolster ties with another claimant state reduces the perceived threat of unilateral Chinese action, improving the country's risk profile.
Is the Vietnamese dong a good hedge against China risk?
Partly; the dong benefits from Vietnam's diversification of diplomatic alliances, but its managed exchange rate and closeness to China make it less effective than gold or other safe havens.