Vietnam demolitions pit Catholic church against authorities
Vietnam has the most number of Catholics in Southeast Asia after the Philippines
Bangkok — The demolition of about 100 homes near Ho Chi Minh City, including one owned by the Catholic church, has pitted the church against authorities in the latest such dispute over land in the Communist Party-ruled country. Residents in Tan Binh district received no warning of the demolitions earlier in January and were given little compensation, according to local media reports. Land conflicts have risen in Vietnam since the governing Communist Party launched its economic reforms, or doi moi, in the late 1980s, which resulted in more farming land being taken over to build highways and large industrial zones. Disputes over property between Catholics and authorities are common, and have posed one of the key obstacles to a normalisation of relations with the Vatican. “Historically, the party-state has distrusted the Catholic church because of its close connection to the French colonial government,” said John Gillespie, director of the Asia-Pacific Business Regulation Group at Mona...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.