You would think that because China is a neighbour and is also of the communist thinking that they would be close friends Vietnam and China, however talking to people, no one likes China, whether it is their government or their tourists.  They are seen as a necessary evil.  Other than the fact that China has invaded Vietnam for centuries there are a few reasons in recent history that would point to Vietnam’s distaste:

1. The South China Sea.  However, in Vietnam it is called the “East Sea”.  China has been taking over the ownership of this sea and it is an important fishing zone for the Vietnamese and also shipping channel.  The Philippines recently took China to the UN court and the ruling came back this week.  Shock horror, it ruled that China was in the wrong.  South China Sea / East Sea
2. The second reason is an environmental disaster that has happened on the Vietnamese coast covering over 200 km and killing marine life.  The steel company is from Taiwan, close enough to China.  Fish are to the Vietnamese like sheep are to kiwis.

Environmental Disaster

It is interesting the alliance between America and Vietnam now considering the Vietnam War.  President Obama on a recent visit lifted the last of the embargoes it had with Vietnam.  Times are changing here.  Watch this space.