Recently, the Vietnamese government reported that it planned to allow Starlink, the world's richest man, to provide satellite Internet services in Vietnam, and allow Starlink to fully hold the ownership of its local subsidiaries. This news has attracted widespread attention from the industry and is seen as a response strategy by the Vietnamese government to the threat of US tariffs.

According to insiders, the Vietnamese government has been cautious about the landing of satellite chain services before, mainly because the Vietnamese government is unwilling to revoke the regulations on wholly foreign-owned satellite Internet service companies. However, as US President Trump threatens to impose equivalent tariffs on all trading partners, the Vietnamese government is starting to feel nervous. As one of the main export markets for the United States, Vietnam's economy may suffer serious disruptions due to US tariff policies. Therefore, the Vietnamese government has begun to consider showing goodwill to the United States by allowing the implementation of Starlink services to alleviate the threat of tariffs.

SpaceX, the parent company of Starlink, has had lengthy negotiations with the Vietnamese government but has yet to reach a consensus. The shift in stance of the Vietnamese government has undoubtedly cleared the obstacles for the implementation of Starlink services in Vietnam. It is reported that the Vietnamese Congress may pass a draft regulation in the near future to implement a pilot plan that will last until the end of 2030, allowing foreign capital to fully control Internet providers with LEO satellite networks. Foreign companies participating in this pilot program must first obtain approval from the Vietnamese Prime Minister.

The landing of Star Chain service in Vietnam will provide Vietnamese people with more convenient and high-speed Internet services. At the same time, this will also promote the development of Vietnam's digital economy and enhance Vietnam's competitiveness in the international market. For Starlink, the opening up of the Vietnamese market will bring more business opportunities and revenue sources.

The Vietnamese government's permission for the implementation of Starlink services is not solely based on economic considerations. According to informed sources, if Vietnamese companies and individuals order Starlink's services, it will help reduce Vietnam's trade surplus with the United States in goods and services. Last year, Vietnam's trade surplus with the United States reached a record high of $123.5 billion, second only to China, the European Union, and Mexico among US trading partners. The Vietnamese government hopes to reduce the risk of tariffs imposed by the United States by reducing its trade surplus.

However, the Vietnamese government's move has also raised some concerns. Some people believe that allowing foreign investors to wholly own satellite Internet service companies may have an impact on local enterprises in Vietnam. In addition, with the popularity of Star Chain services in Vietnam, the Vietnamese government also needs to strengthen the supervision of Internet content to ensure national security and social stability.