Grapevine: Apr. 23, 1990

BETTER RED THAN UNFED. Viet Nam's aging Communist hierarchy has sent a clear signal that major Soviet-style political reforms are out of the question. This aversion to change stems both from ideology and practicality. Hanoi, long allied with Moscow and at odds with Beijing, has been offered $2.1 billion in aid from China to cover a projected shortfall in Soviet assistance. The collateral: a commitment from Hanoi to keep glasnost from breaking out near China's southern border.

...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!