Vietnam state media attacked US-backed university with accusations of “colour revolution.”
State media published a report that attacked Fulbright University Vietnam, with accusations saying there are early signs of “colour revolution.” Fulbright University is the first independent, not-for-profit, liberal arts college in Vietnam that is backed by the US and promotes self-governance and academic freedom.
With the headline of "Don't let the colour revolution change the colour of education," the report said enemy and reactionary forces have been creating a ‘colour revolution” in history studies as it reexamines Vietnam’s wars, referring to the history education at Fulbright University.
QPVN, an official news outlet under Vietnam’s Ministry of Defense, targeted a June graduation ceremony of Fulbright University, saying there was no Vietnam national flag at the ceremony's parade.
The news report came following a week-long smear campaign on social media targeting Fulbright University and some other educational exchange programs, such as YSEALI and other programs, accusing those programs of “colour revolution” schemes.
Sources say it’s a coordinated efforts with participation of the Force 47, Vietnam’s troll army consists of thousands of soldiers.
The development came after the US rejected on 2 August to recognise Vietnam as a market economy. It’s not clear if the two events are linked.
The university was licensed back in 2015 when Vietnam and the US marked 20th anniversary of renewed diplomatic ties. It's widely considered as a symbol of closer Vietnam-US ties.
According to the joint statement last September when US President Biden visited Hanoi and updated bilateral ties, Vietnamese late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and Mr Biden applauded the work of Fulbright University Vietnam (FUV) and its growing role as a regional hub for public policy training.