Opinion | Who is winning the US-China battle for the hearts and minds of Vietnam’s cybersphere?

Beijing’s actions in the South China Sea and Mekong River have exacerbated anti-China sentiment in Vietnam, pushing it closer to the US

Analysis of their embassy Facebook posts by Singapore’s ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute found China has a long way to go in making its image more ‘lovable’

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A monk uses his mobile phone in Ho Chi Minh City. A survey found Vietnamese are wary of China’s growing strategic clout and supportive of US influence in the region. Photo: Reuters

Published: 2:00pm, 24 Aug 2021Updated: 5:28pm, 24 Aug 2021

The cartoon shows a man about to drown at sea, crying out for help. Another person standing ashore throws a lifebuoy to the man in need, urging: “Grab the S lifebuoy.” But the drowning man shouts back: “I only need the M lifebuoy.” The would-be rescuer makes the final call by letting the crying man drift away, bidding him farewell: “Goodbye, brother!”

This cartoon, posted on the Facebook page of the Chinese consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, triggered an immediate backlash online in Vietnam.

Vietnamese internet users read the cartoon as a veiled warning from Beijing should the Vietnamese public prefer American coronavirus vaccines to Chinese shots. The “S lifebuoy” denotes Sinopharm, while the “M lifebuoy” could denote either Moderna or “My”, which means the US in Vietnamese.

The cartoon was removed by Sunday morning.

As US Vice-President Kamala Harris travels to Singapore and Vietnam, China has revelled in mocking Washington’s diplomacy. Beijing apparently takes little notice of poll after poll in Vietnam showing public support for US relations as a hedge against Chinese influence.

Opinion | Who is winning the US-China battle for the hearts and minds of Vietnam’s cybersphere?

Beijing’s actions in the South China Sea and Mekong River have exacerbated anti-China sentiment in Vietnam, pushing it closer to the US Analysis of their embassy Facebook posts by Singapore’s ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute found China has a long way to go in making its image more ‘lovable’

Beijing’s actions in the South China Sea and Mekong River have exacerbated anti-China sentiment in Vietnam, pushing it closer to the US

Analysis of their embassy Facebook posts by Singapore’s ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute found China has a long way to go in making its image more ‘lovable’