Talking to reporters this month, the prime minister, Phan Van Khai, dismissed suggestions that the party was riven by disputes.

ECONOMIST: Vietnam

Reform-minded members of the government who have travelled widely such as the prime minister, Phan Van Khai appreciate that the stakes are high.

ECONOMIST: Vietnam

This week, when Phan Van Khai became the first Vietnamese prime minister to visit America in three decades, liberal protesters claimed Mr Bush was ignoring human rights.

ECONOMIST: The next is not so clear