Viet
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I am afraid I cannot follow you.Small doesn't have to lose, the UK didn't, but you can't do what the UK did, not because you are inferior but because the timing is not right and you are not exactly starting on equal ground.
Small also don't have to lose, if you are smart, admit when you are no match, but then use that to your advantage. China needs a friend to legitimize South China Sea, I mean we could do without, but it's always nice if we had support, and it'll be quicker, as well as not give America a chance at interfering.
Vietnam can never lead China, but you could lead ASEAN, massive investments, quality military equipment at a way better price, and much more.
Sure, you lose on the South China sea, but it's a token lose, you were never going to win that, but instead you could gain the partnership of the next super power. You won't say the UK is not respected today because they aren't the US are you. Leading ASEAN is a far better prize to my mind, it's more lucrative and we can also cut you in to our African and South American holdings.
But I know all I'm going to hear from Vietnam members is either, PLA no morale, Chinese economy done, Vietnam Vietnam Vietnam, or 1979. BTW, just a fun read, check out the Ethiopian and Italian conflict, the first and second one.
No, we cannot give you the SC Sea, neither the Gulf of Thailand. Because in doing so, we are cut off from the sea and at your mercy. The first Vietnamese came from the sea, the sea is our lifeline.
Nor we can give you the control of Laos and Cambodia. Because we dislike the encirclement.
We can talk over everything else. For instance, we can talk how we share the control of the sea lanes and resources. Leading ASEAN or having something in Africa or South America is something too far remote.
As for 1979, actually it is just a minor issue. Vietnam had endured far more difficult times in the past, where Vietnam fate was at stake.