Vietnam PM pushes Chinese investors toward AI, 5G, semiconductors

Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has called on Chinese businesses to pivot from sheer investment volume toward high-value, technology-focused ventures, including artificial intelligence, 5G, and semiconductor manufacturing.

Speaking to Chinese investors in Hanoi on Wednesday, Hung stressed that the next phase of bilateral cooperation should be defined by quality and impact rather than the size of capital inflows. He urged companies to treat Vietnam as a long-term base for investment, production, and business, while bringing more advanced technology into the country.

The government statement, released Thursday, said Hung also pushed for translating high-level agreements into concrete projects, particularly in rail links, logistics, clean energy, and advanced technology sectors such as AI, 5G, and big data.

The push comes amid a notable surge in Chinese investment. Official data shows Chinese firms have launched over 7,100 projects in Vietnam with combined registered capital of $37 billion, spanning manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, electronics, and technology. That makes Beijing the sixth-largest foreign investor in the country. In the first seven months of 2026 alone, newly pledged Chinese investment jumped 31.5% year-on-year.

However, China's growing role in Vietnam's 5G and AI infrastructure remains a sensitive issue. The United States and Vietnam's Western partners have repeatedly cautioned Hanoi against adopting Chinese technology over security concerns. Vietnam had joined the U.S.-led "Clean Network" initiative in 2020, pledging not to use 5G equipment from Huawei or ZTE. Yet Hanoi has recently shifted course, sealing network rollout deals with both Chinese firms.

The U.S. is also reportedly planning to urge its partners to take a clear side in the global AI race with China, adding further geopolitical weight to Vietnam's investment decisions.