New Studies on Japan and Asia

The seminar is a professional discussion revolving around the main reports of 3 young researchers of the Faculty of Oriental Studies.

Report by Dr. Vo Minh Vu (Department of Japan) on the topic "Survey of Japan-France relations surrounding the issue of overseas Chinese in Indochina during World War II”. The report stated: After entering Indochina, Japan maintained the existence of the French colonial government and through France controlled Indochina. Japan's goal at that time was to exploit resources, including rice, to serve the purpose of war and create a springboard to advance to Southeast Asia. However, at this time, the rice distribution system in Indochina was in the hands of overseas Chinese who were carrying out strong anti-Japanese actions. Therefore, for Japan, attracting the cooperation of overseas Chinese was identified as an important task to ensure a stable supply of rice and contribute to building a Co-Prosperity Zone in Southeast Asia. Through a political survey of the actions and reactions of Japan and France surrounding the overseas Chinese factor, the report clarified the nature of the Japan-France relationship as a competitive relationship in the form of cooperation, which contained contempt, compromise and opposition.

Dr. Vo Minh Vu (Department of Japan) presented the report.

Commenting on the report, Associate Professor Dr. Pham Hong Tung (Director of the Institute of Vietnamese Studies and Development Sciences, VNU) said: the author was right to choose the issue of overseas Chinese in the Japan-France relationship in Vietnam during World War II for research. This is a complex but interesting issue, which can be considered as one of the "test bars" to approach and assess the Japan-France relationship in Vietnam during the above period. The valuable contribution of the article is the contribution of information and historical materials, especially information from historical sources and research works in Japanese. This is special information because Vietnamese and foreign researchers generally find it difficult to access these sources of information because they cannot use Japanese.

Report by MSc. Le Thi Thu Giang (Department of Korean Studies) with the topic "South Korea in relations with ASEAN - from dialogue partner to comprehensive partner (1991-2009)” then examines the Korea-ASEAN relationship from the establishment of dialogue relations to becoming a comprehensive partnership. Thereby, the report not only systematically shows the development of Korea-ASEAN relations but also reflects the general movement in international relations of the region and the world. Although not considered as influential political entities, Korea-ASEAN relations have shown an indispensable role in economic development cooperation and creating a balance to ensure regional security.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quy Long (Institute of Northeast Asian Studies, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences and Humanities) commented: this is a research topic of great academic significance and high political significance in the field of contemporary international relations research in the East Asia region in particular and in the world in general. The article has basically assessed the correct role and pointed out the main characteristics in the shift in foreign policy of Korea in the history of establishing and building relations with ASEAN in the period 1991-2009. The author's research is elaborate, has many rich sources of information and is a good reference for research, study and teaching of international relations. However, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quy Long also suggested that the author should analyze more deeply the connotations of the two terms: dialogue partner, comprehensive partner; clarify the research perspective from the perspective of who the subject is; analyze the internal factors of Korea - ASEAN affecting this relationship; Focus on analyzing the political-diplomatic aspects of the relationship to create focus for the article…

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Van Kim (Vice Principal of the School) chaired the discussion.

Report of MSc. Nguyen Thuy Giang (Department of Korean Studies) discusses "The problem of inheriting and promoting traditional Korean culture - current situation and solutions”. The article originates from the argument that culture in general and traditional culture in particular are spiritual resources that need to be understood, preserved and developed. Korea is currently striving to become an “Asian dragon” in the economic field but is also facing the risk of losing traditional cultural values ​​due to the negative impacts of modern society. The article has researched and proposed measures and policies to preserve and promote the beauty of national traditions to serve the sustainable development of Korean culture.

As the main commentator for the report, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Suu (Department of Anthropology) commented: this is an interesting and important topic that has both scientific and practical significance. The report is carefully prepared, easy to read, has clear arguments, helping readers understand the issue of preserving, exploiting and promoting the values ​​of traditional culture in contemporary Korea. However, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Suu also believes that the report would be better if it included more research documents; linked and paid more attention to the historical aspect and the diversity, multidimensionality, and complex interactions of many subjects related to this issue in Korean society in the context of modernization and globalization.

Delegates attending the seminar took souvenir photos