Vietnam’s rank improved thanks to gains in diplomatic influence, in which it was placed 9th, up three places against last year.

The institute noted that Vietnam has effectively taken part in regional forums and trade initiatives, in promoting talks over the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) as Chair of ASEAN this year, and the implementation of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) with 10 other signatories.

The country also saw notable improvements in its score for economic capability and jumped three places in defence networks measures.

Vietnam’s rank in 2019 was also up one place from the previous year, attributed to achievements in economic capability and future resources.

The top five remains unchanged from last year, with the US first, followed by China, Japan, India, and Russia.

The annual Asia Power Index, launched in 2018, measures resources and influence to rank the relative power of states and territories in Asia-Pacific across thematic measures for military capability and defence networks, economic capability and relationships, diplomatic and cultural influence, as well as resilience and future resources./.VNA