Vietnam is a maritime-oriented continental country. The country is continental because its historical development has always been based on a predominantly continental foundation. Its strategic culture has been affected by a continental mindset dominated by a Confucian, anti-mercantile ruling elite during the country’s dynastic period. During the 20th century, Vietnam dealt mostly with land-based security threats and wars fought primarily on land. Geographical and cultural proximity with China has created a love-hate relationship between…







