The Ethnic Chinese And Economic Development In Vietnam PDF Download

This analysis emphasizes Chinese ethnicity as a significant factor motivating exodus from Viet Nam and as an explanation of the deteriorating conditions within Viet Nam. It also explains the reception accorded to refugees by most Southeas t Asian countries, as they reach areas where ethnic Chinese populations are already living uneasily with indigenous peoples. The paper presents the colonial origins of Chinese separateness and the reasons for the endemic insecurity and vulnerability of the Overseas Chinese in South East Asia. The climate of ethnic relations throughout the region is sensitive and volatile and indigenous élites everywhere are seeking ways of achieving economic development and ethnic stability (nation-building). The author discusses the possibility of a relationship between the outbreak of ethnic conflict in one part of the region and the potential for heightened tension elsewhere, a 'demonstration effect'. The paper examines trends in Indonesia and Malaysia and suggests that the general climate of racial tolerance in those countries may be deteriorating. This possibility, and its implicit connection with the Vietnamese expulsion of ethnic Chinese, must be acknowledged if it is to be counteracted.