The collision of a Chinese vessel into a Vietnamese ship is getting “focal” attention from the Asia news. On the social networking sites of Vietnam, a considerable amount of simmering comments have been made from Vietnamese young people expressing their will to defend the sovereignty of their islands, many young people have expressed their desire to be “ready to enlist.” The solidarity spirit is spreading out with confidence “Vietnam will take all appropriate and necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and its interests.” Challenges on the East Coast are putting the government of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on a new “test fire.” Addressing the ASEAN Summit in Myanmar on May 11, Dung accused of China of deploying its oil rig within Vietnam’s territorial waters and sending more than 80 ships into Vietnamese sea territories illegally.

Dung called upon ASEAN countries, other global countries, individuals and international organizations to continue expressing opposition to China’s serious violations, and support Vietnam’s legitimate request. His speech was immediately highly appreciated by the domestic media.  With skilful analysis and determined reasoning, Dung has persuaded ASEAN and international communities that Chinese actions are “extremely dangerous” and consequently, threatening peace, stability, security and marine safety on the East Sea.

“Prime Minister – bravo”, “PM’s speech was very excellent and again gets an outstanding remark” are comments made by domestic scholars in respect of Dung’s statements.  It must be said that, while the spirit of patriotism and nationalism are on the rise like strong waves across this country, the prime minister – whose photos with faces "etched deep thoughts" and fearless attitude when standing before the ASEAN community – has strongly opposed serious violation of the "big country" – and declared Vietnam "resolutely protects national sovereignty and legitimate interests in accordance with international law" – left a good impression.

Observers have highly appreciated the bravery of Mr. Dung -- the Prime Minister who was commented on by international media as having had significant influence in Asia. Dung had served 20 years in the Army and was holding guns to defend his country. He is also the youngest prime minister of Vietnam since 1975 and is the first prime minister who “debated” at the Congress forum confirming that the Paracel Islands belong to Vietnam, there are sufficient historical and legal grounds to confirm this issue. Dung affirmed that Vietnam’s policy is to solve this issue by way of negotiation on a peace basis. Not only confirming the sovereignty over the Hoang Sa on the domestic forum, but also on the major international forum from Shangri-La to 68th High Ranking Discussion of the UN General Assembly, Dung always shows his consistent goodwill with respect to the East Sea issue to be resolved through peace measures and in compliance with international laws and with efforts to “build strategic trust” to resolve the conflict.

Stating to the world that the Vietnam’s national defense policies are to keep peace and self-defend, on the one hand, Dung found way to obtain the international sympathy and empathy with respect to views of resolving disputes over the East Sea, on the other hand, he made “aggressive” decisions to purchase a series of submarines, war ships and aircrafts to improve the combat troops of Vietnam military forces. Facing the provocation made by China, Mr. Dung quickly issued various significant policies to support fishermen that cling to the sea and set up fishing inspection fleets. In a statement made from Hanoi, Dung has given a hidden message to provide incentives to fishermen: “Marine space is where Vietnam implements international integration policy, economic integration with other countries, maintains and keeps peace for development. Keep in mind how broad such goals are rather than just catching fish.” Dung’s steps cannot make “the neighbor” unafraid. Clearly, outstanding diplomacy and the military capabilities of Mr. Dung is the point where his predecessors never had.

Recently, Mr. Dung has been continuously promoting the role of people, people’s power and the people’s goodwill and therefore, he obtains “trust” from the people when he made an “awesome” decision such as stop hosting the 18th ASIAD Games. The political life of Vietnam from late 2013 until now has undergone tremendous progress; democratic values have been placed in right. Typically, the people are free to debate, comment and even criticize publically on social decisions. The people are on demonstration to express their views to oppose China, evidencing that Dung’s Government is very close to the people. Protesters have launched many banner that says "consensus government, anti-China", "unite around the Party, the Government and the military to protect the country" ...According to Mr. Dang Van Khoa, the member of the Ho Chi Minh city Fatherland Committee, the people’s spirit plays a very important role in protecting the national sovereignty.  When consensus are obtained from the people, Vietnam can protect the sovereignty. The voices of the people are heard, confirming that signs of a true democracy exist in a proper manner with the message made by Mr. Dung on the first day of the New Year. Mr. Dung continues to do a great reformation in management-thinking in the country. Dung raises hope for a new transformation phase both in terms of the institutional and socio-economic aspects -- the phase where the people’s ownership rights will be implemented to serve as the basis for the nation’s development.

Mr. Dung has also been seen as a man who has driven Vietnam out of a “bad scenario” and made Vietnam gradually gain a positive change. From early 2014 to the present, the economy has started to see good signals: securities and the real estate market are getting warmer and many businesses continue to overcome difficulties and maintain growth; foreign investment capital continues to flow into Vietnam; domestic enterprises and foreign investors have more confidence in the operation and management of the government; many big corruption cases have been resolved; the revision of the Law on Enterprises was made, comprising a lot of new amendments and new points and institutional breakthroughs... At the Prime Minister’s meeting with enterprises held in 2014, Dung continued his commitment. The government will take care of business, develop the capital market, perfect the market economy, and ensure free business. Businesses are allowed to do everything the laws do not prohibit. The government will make public, transparent, equality in business, stabilize macroeconomic balance in a firm manner with a view to ensure the business community is free from production and conduct of business.

Now, the East Sea challenge continues to weigh on Dung’s shoulders and his government has great responsibilities: To protect the nation in association with peacekeeping on the East Sea and maintain the general prosperity of the country and of the region; and to continue to build and strengthen “strategic trust” to find a common voice among the nations. Many scholars believe that for a future of peace, only wisdom, determination and the persistence of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung can bring this country out of a dangerous and critical risk moment and to make Vietnam a modern, confident and prosperous nation.