The so-called “deal,” which has the character of the unequal treaties imposed on colonies in the heyday of imperialist rule in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, has implications that go far beyond Vietnam.

An initial trade deal with Vietnam offers a glimpse of how President Trump is pushing countries to cut back on trade with China.

President Donald Trump’s new trade deal with Vietnam sends a clear signal about where US tariffs on Chinese goods might ultimately land, as talks between Washington and Beijing continue following their recent truce.