Abstract
National security is one of the most critical challenges for the society, economy and political
system of a given country, especially, for its own stability, sustainability and prosperity. It is unconditionally
the top priority for ASEAN nations that have to cope with the rising China in all aspects in the Asia-Pacific
region. This article is using case study and comparative empirical analysis to examine the impact of ASEANChina
strategic imbalance on Vietnam’s national security. In the 21st century, economic as well as geopolitical
relations between China and ASEAN have made positive changes. However, this relationship still
shows many difficulties and obstacles that the two sides need to solve and overcome to benefit from potential
of each other. The first aim of this article is to focus on overall complex but imbalanced relationship between
ASEAN and China that could pose real threats to ASEAN nations including Vietnam in terms of its inability
to counterbalance the increasingly assertive China in the region. The second aim of the article is to propose
some viable solutions to guard the safety of the people, the security of the society and the political existence
of Vietnam.

Key words: ASEAN, China, Vietnam, strategic imbalance