Dr. Nguyen Khac Giang, a visiting fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, stated that the top priorities for Asian leaders right now are to boost their economic growth and expand aside from any one partner, which is the United States.  ,
He added that because Beijing has been keen to show its support for neighbors in the face of severe international US taxes, railway projects will enhance cooperation with China on both the economic and trade sides.  ,
In response to its trade war with the US, China has been on a beauty rude and is looking for more assistance with its trading partners, particularly in Southeast Asia.
CAUTIOUS Participation
Dr. Nguyen did point out that the bilateral agreements announced during President Xi’s explore were restricted to cross-border initiatives.
Because it connects Vietnam and China, China should be a top priority companion in terms of funding and providing the expertise, according to Dr. Nguyen.
The larger north-south high-speed railway initiative in Vietnam, which is scheduled to connect Hanoi in the northwest with Ho Chi Minh City in the west in about six hours, was excluded from the contracts.
He added that if the job were to take a turn, it would only take place in one region of north Vietnam.  ,
This occurs as Vietnam attempts to hedge its position against China, avoiding any possible spillover effects from Chinese investment or financing.
The North-South ( high-speed railway ) project is very significant and connects, essentially, Vietnam’s entire length, according to Dr. Nguyen.
Therefore, it would need to be taken into account more for security and defense purposes.