Chronology
p. 128-153
Texte intégral
1954
1April–July: Geneva Peace Conference.
2On the morrow of the Conference, division of the country at the 17th parallel: Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) in the north and Republic of Vietnam (RV) in the south.
1955
319 March: Foundation of Nihon-Betonamu Yuko-kyokai (Japan-Vietnam Friendship Association).
4August: Japanese companies form Nichi-Etsu Boekikai (Association for Nippo-Vietnamese trade).
1959
513 May: Japan signs a reparations accord with South Vietnam amounting to 39 million dollars over 5 years.
1960
620 December: Creation of National Liberation Front (NLF) of South Vietnam.
1963–73
7American-Vietnamese War until Paris Peace Accords of 27 January 1973. American troops land at Da Nang in 1965.
1969
825 July: Nixon Doctrine, resulting in increase in donations and loans from Japan to South Vietnam.
1972
98 February: Tokyo establishes secret ties with North Vietnam.
1021–28 February: Nixon’s visit to Beijing.
1973
1121 September: In Paris, a common communiqué and a note between DRV and Japan establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries are signed.
1975
1230 April: North-Vietnamese troops enter Saigon. The end of the war marks the reunification of the country.
1311 October: Japanese Embassy opened in Hanoi.
1975–78
14Border incidents between Vietnam and the Khmer Rouge, then in power in democratic Kampuchea.
1976
152 July: The name Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV) is officially adopted.
1977
1618 April: Promulgation of laws concerning foreign investments, the objective of which is to attract capital from foreign firms for the redressal of an economy ruined by decades of war.
1978
1725 December: Vietnamese troops enter Democratic Kampuchea.
1979
18January: Japan suspends temporarily its aid to SRV, following the fall of Phnom Penh (on 27 January); the suspension becomes an official freeze when troops of USSR, Vietnam’s ally, invade Afghanistan on 27 December 1979.
1917 February–16 March: Military defeat for PRC which tries to give a “punishing lesson” to Vietnam.
1986
20December: On the occasion of the 6th Congress of the CPV, Vietnam launches the Doi moi process.
1987
2129 December: The first Bill on foreign investment is adopted.
1989
229 November: Fall of The Berlin Wall.
1990
2315–16 January: In Paris, the five permanent members of the Security Council propose a more meaningful intervention of the UNO in the Khmer problem, as well as for the creation of a Supreme National Council (SNC).
2418 January: USSR announces withdrawal of its military presence in Vietnam, especially its naval base in Cam Ranh. The USA and Japan are of the opinion that this withdrawal is “a contribution to regional stability and a positive effort to a political solution to Cambodia”.
256 February: On the occasion of World Economic Conference in Davos (in Switzerland), Vo Van Kiet announces that Vietnam needs $10 billion to develop its economic infrastructure.
2610 February: In Phnom Penh, annual meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia (this year the meeting is attended by Deputy Ministers). A communiqué approves the efforts of ASEAN and the United Nations in bringing about peace in Cambodia.
2711–12 February: In New York, the permanent members of the Security Council meet a second time to solve the Cambodian issue.
2827–28 February: Jakarta Informal Meeting-III among the protagonists of the Cambodian conflict. It is a failure (JIM I: 25–27 July 1988; JIM II: 19–21 February 1989).
29March: Trade between Vietnam and South Korea reaches 150 million dollars. Thus South Korea becomes Vietnam’s third trade partner, after USSR and the PRC.
3012–13 March: In Paris, third meeting of the Big Five: the SNC would have to occupy Cambodia’s seat in the UNO, the composition of which would be determined by the Cambodian factions.
3121 April–6 May: Japanese Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu tours South and Southeast Asia.
3223 April: The leader of the CPV Nguyen Van Linh declares to journalists that Vietnam can launch economic reforms without broaching the poli-tical question; according to him, economic reform should take place in the “context of socialism, the most progressive system in the history of humanity”.
3330 April: The Director of the Japanese Defence agency Yozo Ishikawa visits Thailand, Malaysia and Australia so as to give assurance about the military ambitions of his country and to establish ties of cooperation. The spokesperson of the American State department declares that the United States will not establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam until a political solution on Cambodia is found.
341–10 May: In Beijing, Sino-Vietnamese meeting between Qian Qichen (Foreign Affairs Minister) and Dinh Nho Liem (Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs). A high level delegation would meet in early June to discuss about normalisation between the two countries.
3514 May: Beginning of American-Philippines negotiations regarding the future of the American bases, the lease of which would expire in September 1991. On the same day Malaysia announces that it would be ready to receive American ships if Philippines refuses to do so.
3624 May: Vietnam and the German Democratic Republic (GDR) sign an accord concerning 60,000 Vietnamese working in East Germany. 25–26 May: In New York, fourth meeting between the five permanent members to discuss the Cambodian issue.
374–5 June: In Tokyo, Khmer Rouge rejects the agreement on equitable sharing of seats of the Supreme National Council SNC (6+6) which had, however, been accepted by the other three Cambodian parties.
386 June: Even though Taiwan does not have diplomatic relations with Vietnam, two Taiwanese business groups sign air and trade agreements with their Vietnamese partners. In 1989, trade between the two countries was 41.2 million dollars (as against 9.7 million in 1988).
399 June: Sino-Vietnamese meeting in Hanoi to discuss improving bilateral relations and the peace process in Cambodia.
4023 June: 30th Anniversary of the Nippo-American Security Treaty.
4130 June: The Assembly amends the code for foreign investments of 29 December 1987: for the first time, foreign companies are authorised to form joint ventures with Vietnamese private companies.
4216–17 July: In Paris, fifth meeting of the “Five”. The Americans announce that they no longer support the CNG (Cambodian National Government comprising Khmer Rouge) at the UNO and that they will have direct talks with Hanoi and Phnom Penh to solve the Cambodian issue.
4327 July: Taiwan announces its intention to increase its trade with Vietnam.
442 August: Iraq invades Kuwait.
456 August: In New York, first meeting between the United States and Vietnam; Cambodia is the focus of the discussions.
467 August: Beginning of Operation “Desert Shield” launched by the United States to liberate Kuwait.
478 August: Chinese Prime Minister Li Peng affirms that China will continue to “assist” the Khmer Rouge as long as other countries continue to support the other Cambodian factions (that is Vietnam and the Cambodian State), but “China will never support Khmer Rouge as a dominating power” in Cambodia.
4827–28 August: In New York, the sixth meeting of the five permanent members of the Security Council set up a basic plan with a view to placing Cambodia under a kind of international tutelage and thus allow the Khmer people to elect their government freely.
493–7 September: “Secret” Sino-Vietnamese meeting in Chengdu.
505 September: The Secretary of State James Baker announces that the United States will henceforth discuss directly with Cambodia; Hanoi is satisfied with the American decision.
519–10 September: The Jakarta accord ratifies the formation of a Supreme National Council (SNC) in Cambodia. It is composed of twelve members: six representatives from Phnom Penh, two “Sihanoukistes”, two Khmer Rouge and two members from KPNLF (6+6). The question of the presidency remains open.
5219 September: Vo Nguyen Giap arrives in Beijing for the 11th Asian Games.
5320 September: In New York, third American-Vietnamese meeting on the Cambodian question.
5421 September: In Hanoi, Seminar on Nippo-Vietnamese economic relations; 35 Japanese companies participate.
5523 September: A Vietnamese delegation arrives in Seoul to discuss economic relations and investments between the two countries.
5629 September: In New York, the Vietnamese Foreign Affairs Minister Nguyen Co Thach meets James Baker, his American counterpart (30 minutes). This was the first time such a meeting took place between the two countries since the January 1973 Paris Accords.
5715 October: The UN General Assembly approves the peace plan of the five permanent members regarding the Cambodian issue. Cambodia’s seat is “temporarily unoccupied”.
5817 October: For the first time, the Vietnamese Foreign Affairs Minister Nguyen Co Thach goes to Washington. It is an attempt to woo the Americans inasmuch as the Minister promised that Vietnam would step its efforts regarding the MIA cases (a liaison office in Hanoi is possible), criticised Hanoi’s errors in the past and showed other signs of goodwill. 26 October: During a lecture given in Singapore, the representative of the American Chamber of Commerce Thomas White recommends lifting the American embargo on Vietnam. The objective is to allow American businessmen to profit from the economic opportunities avail-able in this country.
5931 October: The Soviet Ambassador posted in Hanoi announces withdrawal of USSR navy and air force from the Cam Ranh base. 25–26 November: In Paris, the members of the Security Council, the representative of the United Nations’ General Secretary and the co-chairmen of the Paris Conference (France and Indonesia) meet to draft and approve the text of agreements about an overall political solution to the Cambodian conflict.
6022 December: The European Community restores diplomatic relations with Vietnam.
1991
6117 January: Beginning of the Operation “Desert Storm” led by the coalition against Iraq. Officially, Hanoi declares neutrality; Unofficially and sentimentally, Vietnam is on Iraq’s side.
6227 January: The Asia-Pacific Council of the American Chamber of Commerce decides to bring pressure on Washington to lift the embargo on Vietnam.
63February: The USSR stops its aid ($2 billion per year, not including military equipment) which was 40% of Vietnam’s external trade; the CMEA (COMECON) follows suit. A new exchange agreement based on international rates is established, with payment in strong currencies. 4 February: Malaysia opens a Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City; It is the first ASEAN country to do so. By this event, Hanoi intends to show that it wishes that “Saigon” can also benefit from economic opening.
6412 March: Vietnam declares 1990 the “year of tourism”.
653 April: The spokesperson for the Malaysian Foreign Affairs Ministry announces that his country will resume its Vietnam economic aid programme suspended since 1979.
664 April: Discussions between the Vietnamese Foreign Affairs Vice-minister and his Korean counterpart on improving bilateral and trade relations.
679 April: A schedule in four stages for normalisation of relations between the United States and Vietnam is envisaged. Normalisation and the lift of embargo are connected to solving the Khmer issue and the MIA-POW issue.
6820 April: Vietnam approves of 32 new foreign investment projects during the first quarter of 1991.
6927 April: The United States announces its first direct aid of $1 million to Vietnam for the manufacturing of prosthetic equipment for people who have lost their limbs.
7010 June: Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Taro Nakayama visits Hanoi. Subjects of discussion: bilateral aid and solving the Cambodian issue.
7113 June: Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister visits Phnom Penh. 24–27 June: CPV’s 7th Congress in Hanoi. The policy of “renewal” is continued and intensified. CPV’s new Secretary General is Do Muoi.
7228 June: Official dissolution of CMEA (COMECON), formed in January 1949.
731 July: Dissolution of Warsaw Pact.
7417 July: An American-Philippine accord extends the lease of the Subic Bay Naval base for at least 10 years. The Manila Senate refuses to ratify it. As for Clark base, it will be officially returned in November 1991. 30 July: President Le Duc Anh’s “unofficial” visit to Beijing. The purpose is to improve relations between the two countries and to find an acceptable solution to the two parties regarding the Cambodian issue.
7510–12 August: Japanese Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu goes to Beijing. It is the first visit of a leader of a big power since the Tiananmen events.
769 September: The first important move of the new Foreign Affairs Minister Nguyen Manh Cam is to go to Beijing. The final communiqué states that there is restoration of relations based on the five principles (respect of territorial sovereignty, non-agression, non-interference in internal affairs, mutual advantage and coexistence).
7713 September: President Bush renews American embargo for a year. Vietnam is of the view that this decision is “anachronic and against American opinion”.
7816 September: The Philippine Senate refuses the accord reached on 17 July with the United States concerning the Subic Bay base. The Aquino government agrees to let the Americans occupy it till 1994.
7918 September: Hanoi and Bangkok sign an accord on the establishment of a joint commission for economic cooperation.
808 October: ASEAN decides to create a free exchange zone with 2006 as the dead line. China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan are invited to join.
8116 October: By the 717 resolution, the Security Council decides to create the United Nations Advance Mission in Cambodia (UNAMIC). Its task is to help maintain ceasefire, to facilitate communication between the headquarters of the four Cambodian parties and “to educate civilians on how to avoid injury from mines”.
8218 October: The Council of Ministers’ order and the State Committee circular on cooperation and investments dated 20 August 1992, subjected to the law on foreign investments (except special exemptive clause), give rise to export production zones and special economic zones (SEZ).
8321–23 October: Bringing together four Cambodian factions, the UNO and 18 backing countries, the Second Paris conference, co-chaired by France and Indonesia, results in the signing of an international peace treaty on Cambodia that is placed under the tutelage of UN until free elections are organised.
8423 October: In Paris, after the peace conference on Cambodia, a meeting between James Baker and Nguyen Manh Cam to discuss MIA cases and the modalities of normalisation of relations.
8524 October: Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet starts a tour of Southeast Asian countries: Indonesia (24–27 October), Thailand (27–30 October) and Singapore (30 October–2 November). The messages are clear: Vietnam wants peace, wants to open the country in economic terms, wants to wipe off its past etc.
8629 October: Singapore lifts its restriction on investments in Vietnam; Lee Kuan Yew’s visit to Hanoi is scheduled for April 1992.
875–7 November: Sino-Vietnamese summit in Beijing that sanctions total normalisation of Sino-Vietnamese relations.
8814 November: The UNAMIC becomes operational. After 13 years of exile, Prince Sihanouk arrives in Phnom Penh.
8921 November: American-Vietnamese working group set up to prepare for normalisation of bilateral relations.
9026 November: Americans evacuate Clark base in Philippines earlier than planned.
918 December: The Presidents of Russia, Byelorussia and Ukraine announce officially the dissolution of Soviet Union and the creation of a Community of Independent States (CIS).
9221 December: In Alma-Ina, 11 out of 12 republics of ex-USSR ratify the 8 December accord forming the CIS (Georgia does not sign).
9316 December: Singapore after lifting its investments ban in Vietnam, sends a delegation to discuss opportunities with the Vietnamese. On returning from Vietnam, a delegation of American businessmen concludes that it is urgent that the United States lift the economic embargo and take favorable measures to establish financial and trade relations between the two countries.
1992
94A JVTA delegation led by IWAI Koshiro visits Vietnam and participates in the Joint Japan-Vietnam Economic Conference.
9517 January: Singapore affirms that it will do everything in its power for Vietnam to integrate into the Southeast Asian zone and rebuild its economy.
9627–28 January: In Singapore, 4th summit of the Heads of ASEAN state and governments announce the formation of an ASEAN free trade zone. During the summit, Vietnam, Laos, both socialist States join ASEAN’s 1976 Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. The two Indo-Chinese states are given a sort of status of “observing member” in the ASEAN (a case not envisaged by the texts).
9711 February: French Secretary of State for Commerce visits Hanoi. He affirms that France will help Vietnam preserve its independence against any Japanese economic “invasion”.
9826 February: Vo Van Kiet visits Philippines to discuss bilateral cooperation.
99Signs accords related to investments and maritime transports.
100China proclaims unilaterally its law on territorial waters and reaffirms its sovereignty on all the archipelagos of the “South China Sea”, thus arousing the fear of ASEAN countries.
10127 February: In application of the decision taken on 8 October 1991, ASEAN creates ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA).
10215 March: United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) comes into existence officially to restore peace.
10315 April: The new Vietnamese Constitution, adopted by the National Assembly (8th legislature), recognises “private capitalist economy” and allows private companies (Chapter II of the Constitution titled: Economic Regime). The Constitution comes into force on 18 April (before this date, there were the Constitutions of 1946, 1959 and 1980).
10415 June: The Japanese government obtains Parliament’s vote for a Bill authorising the engagement of military units in the UNO’s operations (Peacekeeping Operations Bill).
10520–22 June: Tokyo conference, attended by 33 countries and around 12 international organisations, announces an immediate aid of $880 million for Cambodia’s reconstruction.
1062 July: The Politburo’s secretariat is enlarged with the addition of two new members: Nguyen Duc Binh and General Le Kha Phieu, both hardliners.
10717 July: Beginning of a series of “unofficial meetings” between Japan, Thailand and Khmer Rouge to enable the peace process to come out of dead-lock (other meetings held on 22 and 27 August, the last on 29 October 1992). Failure.
10821–22 July: At the end of the 25th ministerial summit of the ASEAN, a joint declaration on South China Sea published. For the first time, the Association was publicly taking a common stand on the question by which it condemned implicitly the strategy of China which had just occupied an additional islet of the Spratly Islands.
109Vietnam and Laos sign the Bali Treaty, ending a long period of hostility with ASEAN. The two countries of the peninsula officially acquire the status of permanent observers in the Association.
1108 September: The Japanese government authorises the deployment of 1,700 men in Cambodia in the context of the UNO peacekeeping operation. This is the first time Japan sends troops outside the country since the Second World War.
11124 September: Vietnam and Singapore sign a trade agreement with a clause of the most-favoured-nation; the agreement would be reinforced the following month with another agreement guaranteeing the investments made in Vietnam. Vietnam now becomes Singapore’s biggest trading partner.
112October: South Korea opens a liaison office in Vietnam for re-establishing diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries. Vietnam will open its liaison office in Seoul in November.
1133 October: Vietnam, in order to protect its industry, bans imports of 17 goods including beer, cycles, textiles etc. Chinese products are specially targeted; the control of the Lang Son border zone is also stepped up.
1148 October: The National Assembly approves the measures concerning reforms of the judicial system (Bill on organisation of the judicial system etc.).
11512–18 October: In China, the 14th Congress of the CPC marks the political victory of the reformers. The passage into market economy is approved by admitting the principle of “socialist market economy”.
1163 November: In the United States, Bill Clinton is elected president.
1176 November: Japan announces restoration of its aid to Vietnam. It had been suspended since 1978. This decision marks a new step in Japan’s Indochina policy.
11821 December: Vietnam and South Korea restore their diplomatic relations.
11923 December: The National Assembly amends the 1988 foreign invest-ment Act to “find new opportunities to accelerate economic development and increase productivity”.
1993
1204 February: A two-day seminar on business opens, sponsored by Keidanren, the powerful Japanese employers’ organisation, to be attended by about hundred Japanese and an equal number of Vietnamese.
1218 February: Congress of the Viêt Kieus In Ho Chi Minh City sponsored by Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet’s office. Henceforth they are considered “rich and important technical, scientific, intellectual and economic resources” by Hanoi.
122March: Jiang Zemin becomes the president of PRC; the principle of “socialist market economy” is inscribed in the new Chinese Constitution.
12324 March: Vo Van Kiet goes to Japan. This is the first visit of a Viet-namese Head of Government to this country since 1973. Kiet tries to convince Tokyo to use its influence on Washington. This is also an opportunity for Japan to convey to the United States its wish for a more independent Asian policy.
1249 April: According to official statistics, Vietnam is now the world’s third biggest rice exporter, after Thailand and the United States. The exports are mainly to Africa and the Middle East.
12525 April: During a visit to Laos, Japanese Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs promises that Japan will increase its aid.
12628 May: Chinese consulate opened in Ho Chi Minh City, marking a further step in the relations between the two countries.
1272 August: In Cambodia, beginning of the withdrawal of UNTAC troops and beginning of massive Khmer Rouge defections.
1289 September: 31 donor countries and 11 international organisations in favour of Cambodia meet in Paris. A new aid amounting to $119 million is envisaged, of which $12 million from Japan and $11 million from France.
12924 September: A new Cambodian Constitution is promulgated. The UNTAC mandate comes to an end.
1307 October: An important American commercial mission led by the banker David Rockefeller goes to Vietnam and recommends Vietnam’s diplomatic recognition by the United States as well as lifting of the embargo.
13111 October: In Hanoi, the IMF Director Michel Camdessus negotiates restructuring of Vietnam’s international debt ($4.5 billion).
13219 October: Nguyen Manh Cam goes to Russia and the CIS countries. In Moscow, negotiations on 9 billion dollars owed by Vietnam to the former USSR. Russia officially asks Vietnam to extend the usage of Cam Ranh base.
133November: First Paris conference regarding assistance to Vietnam’s development; Japan is the first donor.
1347 December: In Manila, during a meeting of the ASEAN member countries, Vietnam declares that it is ready to become a member of the Association; Vietnam also wishes to cooperate with ASEAN in defence and security.
1359 December: Representatives of 23 nations and 6 multilateral organisations meet in Tokyo to prepare an important international conference (scheduled for late 1994). The objective is to mobilise economic assistance for Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.
1994
1362 January: The Foreign Affairs Minister Nguyen Manh Cam announces a positive outcome of Vietnam’s diplomacy in 1993, with especially an increase in Japan’s economic aid (from $360 million in 1992–93 to $550 million for 1993–94) and obtaining aid from IMF, World Bank and Asian Development Bank amounting to $1.86 billion for the year 1994.
1373 February: End of American embargo which had isolated Vietnam for 19 years.
1384 March: A centre for Japanese studies opened in Hanoi with the task of facilitating study of Japanese language, history, culture and politics. 11 March: During a meeting in Tokyo, the main donor countries promise emergency aid of $773 million to Cambodia.
139April: Second “Annual Japan-Vietnam Joint Economic Conference” in Ho Chi Minh City.
14013 July: The Sino-Vietnamese trade In the Yunnan border goes up to 1.4 billion yuan, that is a 12% increase compared to the preceding year. 25 July: First meeting of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) on security. It is a formal body for “prevention” of conflicts.
14126 October: In Hanoi, Nippo-Vietnamese discussions on bilateral trade and aid. Japan anticipates increasing its aid for the forthcoming year. Vietnam officially asks for membership to ASEAN.
14216 November: In Paris, meetings between donor countries. They commit themselves to give subsidies and low-interest loans amounting to 2 billion dollars to Vietnam.
14319 November: CPC President and Secretary-General Jiang Zemin’s official visit to Vietnam. Since 1951, he is the first Secretary-General of the CPC to visit this country.
1995
14440th anniversary of the Nippo-Vietnamese trade association founded in 1955 in Tokyo.
145Official visit of the President of the National Assembly, Nong Duc Manh to Japan.
146February end: 4th visit of a Keidanren delegation led by Shoichiro Toyoda.
14726–27 February: Japan launches the first big “Forum on Indochina’s global development” in Tokyo. It evinces a keen interest in the infrastructure working group.
148March: JICA’s report: “Japan’s Official Development Assistance to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam” published.
149April: CPV Secretary General Do Muoi visits Japan. This is the first visit by such an important representative to Japan.
1505 April: In Chiang Rai (north Thailand), Bangkok, Hanoi, Vientiane and Phnom Penh sign an accord on the utilisation of lower Mekong waters and form the Mekong Commission; China and Myanmar are present at the signing in the capacity of observers. The Commission’s works will be financed by the ADB.
15111 July: President Bill Clinton announces normalisation of diplomatic relations between the United States and Vietnam.
15228 July: In Brunei, during a conference of ASEAN Foreign Affairs ministers, Vietnam officially becomes the seventh member of the Association.
15331 July: Vietnam takes the opportunity to state that its membership to the Association will not affect Sino-Vietnamese relations in any way.
1542 August: The Mekong Commission which replaces the interim committee (1978–95) is “reactivated” in Phnom Penh. It brings together Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam which wish to exploit the river’s potential. China and Burma are given the status of invitee members.
1555–7 August: American Secretary of State Warren Christopher Hill’s visit to Vietnam seals the normalisation between the two countries. On this occasion, the American Embassy is inaugurated in Hanoi.
15611 August: In order to help Vietnam solve its debt problems, Japan gives it a $32 million aid. Japan is now the biggest donor with about $600 million per annum in the form of loans and accords for development. 15 August: On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Japan’s capitulation, Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama expresses Japan’s “profound regrets” about the aggression it committed in Asia.
1577 November: Japan signs an accord with Laos according to which the Japanese will subsidise a 500 million yen development aid.
15814–15 December: Fifth Summit of ASEAN Heads of State in Bangkok ratifies a treaty of denuclearisation of the Pacific. ASEAN reaffirms its intention of setting up a free trade zone (AFTA) before the year 2003, and adopts a three-year programme on liberalisation of services.
1996
159January: Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Yukihiko Ikeda’s official visit to Vietnam.
16027 January: Construction of a rail network connecting Thailand and Laos begins. This is part of a huge project aiming to connect Southeast Asia and southern China.
1611–2 March: In Thailand, first meeting of the Heads of State and Governments of the European Union, ASEAN, Japan, China and South Korea (ASEM). “Burning” issues like human rights are not taken up. Vietnam participates in the Forum in the capacity of a founder member. 20 March: The members of the Mekong Commission (Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam) welcome the fact that China and Burma have agreed to establish a “dialogue mechanism” with the Commission.
16216–17 April: In Tokyo, Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto and President Bill Clinton sign a new agreement of military cooperation which redefines the security system in the Asia-Pacific region and reinforces the 1951 Nippo-American Security Treaty.
16324 April: Congressman Douglas Peterson, former prisoner of war during the Vietnam war is appointed Ambassador to Vietnam by President Bill Clinton.
16418 June: During the “Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation” (APEC) summit organised in Philippines, the Vietnamese Foreign Affairs Minister Nguyen Manh Cam expresses officially Vietnam’s desire for APEC membership.
16528 June–1 July: 8th Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The Congress reappoints President Le Duc Anh, Do Muoi, the CPV’s Secretary General and the Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet to their offices. The fact that Hanoi has decided to retain this troika, set up since 1991 conveys its desire to maintain status quo in the political sphere. The CPV forms the Politburo’s Permanent Council composed of five members including the Secretary-general, the President and the Prime Minister; its mission: to ensure the party’s presence and influence in government’s decisions. The Congress receives a Chinese delegation led by Prime Minister Li Peng which shows the importance of the new rapport between the two countries.
16623 September: In New York, Japan and the United States adopt major principles governing their strategic alliance which particularly include extension of Japanese assistance to American troops in case of regional crisis.
16712 November: The National Assembly votes on a new Bill on foreign investment in Vietnam. Promulgated on 23 November by the President of SRV (decree number 52-L/CT), this new version replaces the 29 December 1987 Act (which itself had been amended on two occasions, on 30 June 1990 and on 23 December 1992).
1997
16812 January: Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto visits Hanoi. 23–25 January: Deputy director of the Japanese defence agency, Naoaki Murata visits Vietnam to discuss the two countries’ defence policies. Official visit of Deputy Prime Minister and the Foreign Affairs Minister Nguyen Manh Cam to Japan.
169March: In Thailand, collapse of Finance One, one of the premier Finance companies of the country, giving rise to a wave of speculation about the Thai baht. Beginning of the Asian crisis.
17014 July: CPV secretary-general Do Muoi’s friendly visit to China. On this occasion he recalls that “Vietnam wishes to establish peaceful, friendly and cooperative relations with all the countries of the region and the world with a priority for its ASEAN and Asia-Pacific neighbours.” As for Taiwan, Do Muoi assured Jiang Zemin that Vietnam recognises the PRC government as the “only legitimate government representing the whole of China”.
17123 July: Burma and Laos are admitted to the ASEAN; Cambodia’s candidature is rejected.
17223 September: In New York, the United States and Japan redefine their alliance by adopting new guiding principles.
17316 September: The CPV Central committee confirms Phan Van Khai as Prime Minister and Tran Duc Luong as President of SRV.
17420 September: The new National Assembly ratifies the decision of CPV Central committee during the first session.
17523–25 October: Chinese Vice-Prime Minister holding the economic affairs portfolio visits Vietnam. Amongst other things, the two parties wish to sign, as early as possible, a cross-border trade agreement so as to stabilise the common border.
1761–2 November: In Krasnoïarsk (Siberia), first “informal summit” in the history of Russian-Japanese relations. Economic and geopolitical consi-derations influenced the discussions between Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto and President Boris Yeltsin.
17713 November: Minister for Planning and Investment Tran Xuan Gia returns from a US tour. The purpose of the trip was to normalise eco-nomic relations between the two countries.
17822–29 December: At the end of the 4th Plenary session of the CPV Central committee, General Le Kha Phieu becomes officially the Secretary General of the CPV.
1998
17925th Anniversary of the establishing of Japan-Vietnam diplomatic relations.
18010–12 January: Japanese Defence Minister M. Fumio Kyuma’s official visit to Vietnam.
18127 January: In Japan, Finance Minister Hiroshi Mitsuzuka resigns following a bank scandal involving his ministry (bureaucrats in charge of inspection of banks are suspected of corruption).
18231 January: In the context of Asian crisis, Prime Minister Phan Van Khai decides to create a State Council for finance and currency by a bye-law. Its responsibilities: helping to study and solve problems related to financial and monetary policy at the national level; examining and giving sugges-tions for the elaboration of financial and monetary projects; organising and executing projects especially in the banking and credit fields; con-trolling and supervising the implementation of these projects.
1831 February: A government directive regarding implementation of an Act encouraging internal investments comes into force. The State creates favorable conditions for all companies wishing to invest in Vietnam. From now, all the economic partners will be treated on an equal footing. 4 February: Phan Van Khai receives foreign investors in Ho Chi Minh City to discuss creating a more stable and attractive climate for investments.
18412 February: The Vietnamese Embassy in Tokyo signs an agreement on Vietnam’s membership to ASEAN-Japan centre for commercial, tourist and investment promotion. On the same day, the Vietnamese Embassy in Indonesia signs the same type of document. The centre comprises of seven countries: Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan.
1855–9 March: CPV secretary-general Le Kha Phieu’s official visit to Laos. He reasserts that Vietnam “is ready to meet with Laos’ demands to use Vietnamese seaports for its exports and imports”.
1862–4 April: Second Asia-Europe Forum (ASEM II) in London. Current issues such as human rights are once again overlooked in preference to the global aspect of Asia-Europe relations.
18711 July: Prime Minister Phan Van Khai signs a decree to establish the first legal structure for the creation of two centres for stock-exchange transactions in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, attached to the State Securities and Exchanges Commission. The objective is to mobilise long-term capital for companies and to encourage public issue of State enterprises. Provided for by the Jackson-Vanick amendment to the 1974 Trade Act, this American decision marks an important step in the process of normalisation of American-Vietnamese economic relations.
18813 July: Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto resigns from his post; the previous day, his party, the LDP, had suffered a severe defeat in the senatorial elections.
18929 July: South-Korean Foreign Affairs Minister Park Chung Soo’s four day visit. On this occasion, the minister asserts that despite the Asian crisis, South Korea would strive to maintain and develop trade and investments with Vietnam.
19030 July: In Japan, Keizo Obuchi is elected Prime Minister.
19131 July: President Bill Clinton’s decision to lift some trade restrictions on Vietnam, approved by the American Congress on 30 July, is welcomed by Vietnam as a “positive development”.
1927 August: Following Asian financial crisis, Vietnam devalues its currency the Dong by 7 per cent.
19331 August: North Korea test fires a missile which later crashed into the Pacific after flying over Japan. The North-Korean threat forces Tokyo and Washington to consolidate their defence systems; Japan especially decides to participate in an American anti-missile program. China sees this reinforcement of Nippo-American alliance as a threat.
19429 September–4 October: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Nguyen Manh Cam visits the United States.
1955–9 October: Official visit to the United States by a high ranking mili-tary delegation led by General Tran Hanh, Vice-Minister for defence. 19–23 October: Prime Minister Phan Van Khai’s official visit to China. It is the first visit by a Vietnamese Head of State to China since normali-sation of the two States in 1991.
19617–18 November: In the Kuala Lumpur Asia-Pacific Summit, Vietnam (as well as Russia and Peru) is officially admitted to APEC.
19726–28 November: Chinese President Jiang Zemin’s Tokyo visit; first visit of a Chinese Head of State to Japan.
19830 November–3 December: A high ranking military delegation led by Defence Minister General Pham Van Tra goes on an official visit to Japan.
199December: Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi’s official visit to Vietnam. Vietnamese Education and Training Minister Nguyen Minh Hien, visits Japan.
20015–16 December: For the first time since its membership to ASEAN, Hanoi hosts the 6th Summit bringing together the Heads of States and Governments of the Association. Thus Vietnam establishes its true entry in the regional forum despite two snags: notable absence of President Jiang Zemin and the disagreement on Cambodia’s admission to the ASEAN in spite of efforts deployed by Hanoi.
1999
20125 February–2 March: CPV Secretary-General Le Kha Phieu visits China, his first trip to this country as the Party Chief. A cooperation agreement is signed by virtue of which China gives Vietnam a non-reimbursable aid of 20 million yuan. A “sixteen word motto” (in Vietnamese and Chinese) for the development of bilateral relations in 21st century is launched: “friendly neighbourhood, global co-operation, durable stability, looking towards the future”.
2025–15 March: In the end of the annual session of the People’s National Assembly, China includes the role of private economy in its Constitution. Beijing announces an increase of 12.7% in its military budget for 1999 (the increase was 12.8% in 1998 and 12.7% in 1997).
20328–31 March: Prime Minister Phan Van Khai tours Japan and Australia. 29 March: In Berlin, opening of ASEM work forum in the presence of Foreign Affairs Ministers of the EU and ten Asian Countries.
2046–15 April: Zhu Rongji is the first Chinese Head of Government to make an official visit to the United States in fifteen years.
20530 April: At a ceremony in Hanoi, Cambodia becomes the tenth member of the ASEAN.
20618–28 May: A CPV and Government delegation visits China to study the Chinese experience on policies concerning reforms, liberalisation and construction of socialism.
20726 May: Following Prime Minister Phan Van Khai’s visit to Japan in March, Vietnam includes the Japanese Archipelago in the list of countries and territories benefiting from the Most Favoured Nation Clause (MFNC) in the long run on a reciprocal basis. From now, expansion of bilateral trade will be reinforced.
208June: Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko visit Vietnam; first ever visit by the members of the Japanese Imperial family in the history of Nippo-Vietnamese relations.
2098–9 July: Japanese Prime Minister Obuchi Keizo goes to Beijing. Subject of discussions: regional security issues. At the end of the discussions, PRC enters into an agreement with Japan regarding its membership in the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
21025 July: Agreement in principle between Vietnam and the United States on bilateral trade.
21126 July: In Singapore, sixth annual meeting of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) takes up the problems of North Korea (an ARF member) and the Spratly islands, amongst other security issues. The 22 participating countries (10 ASEAN members and their 12 “dialogue partners”) reassert navigation rights in the disputed zone of Spratly islands and advocate a “peaceful solution” to the maritime dispute. Philippines proposes a “code of conduct” plan in the said zone; Vietnam approves it whereas Malaysia rejects it.
21230 August: A Japanese economic mission arrives at the conclusion that Japan should continue and improve the quality of its aid to Vietnam. 30 August–4 September: In Eastern Timor, at a referendum organised by the UNO, the Timorese decide their future by voting for or against “special autonomy” status proposed by Jakarta; a massive vote for inde-pendence, thus rejecting the principle of autonomy. The pro-Indonesian militia, supported by the Indonesian army spreads terror in the island. 6 September: Madeleine Albright’s two-day visit to Vietnam to evaluate the alliance between the two States since 1995.
21315 September: Vietnam-Japan Investment Working Group meets in Hanoi.
21429 September: Vietnam and Japan sign an agreement according to which a 20 billion yen loan (approximately $190 million) will be given to support economic reforms.
2000
215January: Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi tours Thailand, Cambodia and Laos.
21628 January: Nguyen Dy Nien becomes Vietnam’s new Foreign Affairs Minister succeeding Nguyen Manh Cam.
2178–12 March: Foreign Affairs Minister Nguyen Dy Nien visits Japan. 13 March: American Defence Secretary William Cohen’s three day official visit to Vietnam.
21828 March: Japan and Vietnam sign a note in Hanoi concerning $580 million credit meant for supporting socio-economic development projects. April: JICA and the National Committee of Vietnamese Youth sign an agreement on Japan-ASEAN Youth Friendship Program for 2000–2003. As per the agreement, around a hundred young Vietnamese will go to Japan every year.
2195 April: Mori Yoshiro becomes Japan’s Prime Minister in the place of Obuchi Keizo who is hospitalised following a cerebral embolism.
2208 April: Japan-Vietnam Friendship Association’s (created on 19 March 1955) 45th Anniversary ceremony held in Tokyo.
22120 April: In the framework of Nippo-Vietnamese cooperation for Vietnam’s extended vaccination program (started in 1985), Japan offers 2 million doses of vaccination against measles and 1.6 million doses against diphtheria and whooping cough.
22228 April: A delegation of the Japanese federation of the UNESCO clubs goes on a work visit to Vietnam. Discussions about two projects benefiting from Japan’s ODA: literacy and spreading primary education in the Lai Chau (North) province and preservation of traditional houses in Hoi An (Center).
22329 April: Pham Van Dong, a historical figure of Vietnam dies.
224May: After Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airway (ANA) airlines company opens two offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
2253 May: Kawara Tsutomu, Director of the Japanese Agency for national defence visits Vietnam.
2269–16 May: Prime Minister Phan Van Khai’s Asian tour to Thailand, Burma and Laos, focused on development of cooperation.
22710 May: Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Tang Jiaxuan’s four day visit to Japan.
22814 May: Japan announces Prime Minister Obuchi Keizo’s death.
22921 May: CPV General secretary Le Kha Phieu’s European tour starting with five days in France and to be continued in Italy. This trip coincides with the 10th Anniversary of establishment of relations between Vietnam and the EU and with the 5th Anniversary of the signing of agreement on bilateral cooperation.
23022 May: In the framework of Japan-ASEAN Friendship Program, a delegation of young Vietnamese goes to Japan to meet with Japanese youth to get acquainted with Japanese cultural life.
23129 May: In Hanoi, signing of a document according to which Japan agrees to give a non-reimbursable aid of 1,527 billion yen during 2000–2001 for construction and renovation of 61 primary schools in four Vietnam provinces.
23223 June: Vietnam and JICA sign a five-year plan for creating a center for cooperation for the development of Vietnam-Japan human resources. Amongst others, Accountancy, Management, Information Technology and Japanese language courses will be given.
2334 July: Mori Yoshiro becomes Japan’s Prime Minister.
23413 July: Vietnam and the United States sign a trade agreement.
23518 July: Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung announces the results of tenders for the first phase of the construction of the first deep water port in North Vietnam-Cai Lan (Quang Ninh province). Penta Ocean, the Japanese group is selected.
23620 July: In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s first Stock Exchange is inaugurated.
237August: Taku Yamasaki, President of the “Union of Japanese and Vietnamese Parliamentarians” visits Vietnam.
23824–25 July: In Bangkok, 33rd conference of ASEAN ministers. Vietnam takes over the Association’s presidency.
23911 August: Vietnam and Japan sign a protocol to develop tourism in the Central region.
24015 August: In Hanoi, Nguyen Manh Cam, the Deputy Prime Minister receives Hiroumi Masamitsu, the Asian Vice-President of the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to discuss programs of cooperation in the fight against floods in the Centre and their impact. 18–22 September: 7th session of Nippo-Vietnamese negotiations on bilateral cooperation and Japanese public aid in Hanoi.
2413 October: Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Manh Cam receives the delegation of the mixed committee of Vietnam-Japan economic co-operation led by its President Kenji Miyahara on the occasion of the 7th meeting in Hanoi.
2425 October: Key Vietnamese leaders receive a delegation of the “Japan-Vietnam Parliamentarians Friendship Union” led by its President Taku Yamasagi.
24313–17 October: Chinese Prime Minister Zhu Rongji visits Japan. 17 October: A seminar on “trade with Vietnam” under the aegis of Vietnam Commerce Ministry in collaboration with the ASEAN-Japan Centre for promotion of commercial and tourism investment (APC) in Osaka.
24419–21 October: Third Asian-Europe Summit (ASEM III) in Seoul.
245November: Floods in Vietnam: Japan mobilises funds; on the 8th, it gives a basic assistance of 9.6 million yen to the Vietnamese delegation of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent; on the 17th, it extends its emergency aid to 24.91 million yen.
2461 November: Second meeting of the Vietnam-Japan working group in trading and investment; in Hanoi.
24711–13 November: Chinese President Jiang Zemin’s official visit to Laos. 13 November: Chinese President Jiang Zemin visits Cambodia. It is the first visit of a Chinese Head of State after that of Liu Shao-chi in 1963. Commissioning of Nghi Son, Vietnam’s most modern cement works, a Nippo-Vietnamese joint-venture.
248Opening of the second JETRO center in Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City. 16 November: Signing of a Nippo-Vietnamese agreement on a non-reimbursable Japanese aid of 57 billion dong for education and training. 16–19 November: Bill Clinton’s historic visit to Vietnam. The first official visit of a US President to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. 22–24 November: ASEAN annual Summit meeting.
24924 November: Memorandum signed between Vietnam and Japan for a project to train Vietnamese technicians of the coal sector. Japan is Vietnam’s biggest coal market.
250Memorandum signed between JICA and the Vietnamese Transport and Communications Ministry on the feasibility studies of the “Development of ports network in South Vietnam” project.
25127–28 November: In Hanoi, a seminar on tourism organised by Vietnam’s General Department of Tourism amongst others, the objective of which is to boost tourism cooperation between Vietnam and Japan, a potential market for Vietnamese tourism industry (according to estimates, nearly 140,000 Japanese had visited Vietnam in 2000).
25210–16 December: A delegation of 52 Japanese companies goes to Vietnam. On this occasion, two exhibitions for promoting Vietnam’s exports to Japan are opened in Hanoi and HCM-C.
25311–12 December: 13th ASEAN and EU Ministers’ meeting in Vientiane. 14–15 December: In Hanoi, eighth annual conference of a consultative group of sponsors in Vietnam decides to reserve $2.4 billion of ODA the following year to support the socio-economic development plan for the period 2001–2010.
25417–29 December: A delegation of the Japanese Research Institute, appointed by the Japanese Government conducted enquiries concerning public development aid funds (utilisation of Asian Pacific Division funds granted by Japan in favour of Vietnamese small and medium enterprises and their disbursement).
25525–29 December: President Tran Duc Luong’s official friendship visit to PRC. Signing of five cooperation documents. Vietnam reaffirms its acceptance of a single China under the authority of the People’s Republic of China.
25626 December: Convention signed between Vietnam and Japan concerning a project of training teachers and translation of manuals in the field of electricity in the next five years.
2001
25710 February: Vietnam reaffirms its sovereignty over the Spratly Islands on the occasion of People’s Republic of China’s Defence Minister Chi Haotian’s visit to Hanoi.
25812–18 February: Vietnam-Japan working group’s conference on invest-ments in Ho Chi Minh City.
2591 March: First ever visit by a Russian leader: Vladimir Putin signs a strategic partnership agreement.
260April: IMF gives a $368 million loan to Vietnam.
26117 April: 150 members of the CPV’s central committee (elected the pre-vious day) choose the moderate Nong Duc Manh as the party’s Secretary General in place of Le Kha Phieu.
26219–22 April: 9th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam that defines the orientations for the country’s development, social and economic strategy (2001–2010) and the Five Year Plan.
26326 April: Junichiro Koizumi becomes Japan’s Prime Minister, replacing Yoshiro Mori.
2647–8 June: In Tokyo, seminar on the future of Asia. On this occasion, Prime Minister Phan Van Khai declares that “Japan is Vietnam’s No. 1 partner”.
26513 June: In Tokyo, 5th meeting of the consultative group on Cambodia. 21–28 June: Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko go on an official visit to Cambodia.
2669 September: Li Peng, president of the National Congress of the Chinese people goes on an official visit to Vietnam.
267November: In Brunei, on the occasion of the ASEAN meeting, China presents a project on free trade zone between Southeast Asia and China.
26828 November: Vietnam ratifies a historic trade agreement with the United States which should facilitate its membership to the WTO (effective from 10 December).
2002
26914 January: During a visit to Singapore, Prime Minister Koizumi announces to ASEAN a “new regional partnership” called IDEA (Initiatives for Development of East Asia).
27026 January: A meeting of the Prime Ministers of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos in Ho Chi Minh City to discuss “development Programme of the Vietnam-Cambodia-Laos Triangle”.
27119 February–1 March: APEC summit in Mexico city.
2721–3 March: Chinese President Jiang Zemin goes on an official visit to Vietnam regarding the future of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
2734 April: Imai Takashi, Keidanren President visits Vietnam and reaffirms the interest of Japanese firms in continuing to invest in this country. 27–28 April: Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi Junichiro’s official visit to Vietnam where he announces a promotion treaty for investments and also a trade agreement. He also confirms Japan’s support to Vietnam’s membership to the WTO.
2744 May: Russia evacuates its Cam Ranh base in Vietnam where its troops were stationed since 1979.
27520 May: The Nikkei Asia prize is awarded by Tsuruta Takuhiko, President of the Nikkei Shimnun to Vo Tong Xuan, President of the An giang University in Vietnam.
27612 August: In Tokyo, Kawaguchi Yoriko, Foreign Affairs Minister meets with his ASEAN counterparts on the occasion of Ministers’ meeting for the IDEA programme that was announced in January by the Japanese Prime Minister.
27711 September: In Brunei, Japan and ASEAN members agree to start negotiations for economic partnership in 2003.
27823 September: 4th ASEM Summit In Copenhagen which adopts a declaration reaffirming its support to the dialogue in the Korean peninsula. 2 October: Nong Duc Manh, CPV’s Secretary General visits Tokyo where he could meet with the Emperor of Japan and the Prime Minister. 18–20 October: Francophonie summit in Beyrouth.
27928 October: First visit by a Vietnamese Head of State to France since that of Ho Chi Minh in 1946. Tran Duc Luong, the President of the Vietnam Republic visits Paris and Lyon.
2801–6 November: Beginning of bilateral talks between Vietnam and the European Union in a cycle of negotiations for Vietnam’s membership to WTO.
2813 November: Koizumi Junichiro, Japanese Prime Minister participates in a summit with the ASEAN+3 leaders in Phnom Penh.
Le texte seul est utilisable sous licence Licence OpenEdition Books. Les autres éléments (illustrations, fichiers annexes importés) sont « Tous droits réservés », sauf mention contraire.
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