Protesters took to the streets in Vietnam on Sunday in rare demonstrations against special economic zones some fear will favour Chinese investors and a planned cyber security law that activists claim will stifle dissent.
Film and photos posted on social media showed large protests in Hanoi, the capital, Ho Chi Minh City and other Vietnamese cities. Some of the protesters carried anti-Chinese banners or chanted slogans such as “No China” or “China get out”.
Vietnam plans to open three special economic zones in the country’s north, centre, and southern Phu Quoc island where foreign investors will be offered generous incentives and be allowed to lease land for up to 99 years.