What is chinese-vietnamese?

Chinese-Vietnamese refers to individuals who have both ethnic Chinese and Vietnamese ancestry or those who identify as Chinese and Vietnamese in terms of cultural and linguistic heritage. This mixed heritage is the result of centuries of migration and cultural exchange between China and Vietnam.

Most Chinese-Vietnamese are descendants of migrants who came to Vietnam during various periods of Chinese domination over Vietnam, such as the Han dynasty, Tang dynasty, and Ming dynasty. Many Chinese-Vietnamese migrated to Vietnam during the latter part of the 19th century and the early part of the 20th century when French colonizers were recruiting labor from China to work on rubber plantations in Vietnam.

Today, Chinese-Vietnamese make up a significant minority group in Vietnam, accounting for about 1% of the population. They are mostly concentrated in the major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Haiphong. The Chinese-Vietnamese community is known for their entrepreneurial spirit, as many of them own and operate small businesses, including restaurants, grocery stores, and shops.

Chinese-Vietnamese have a unique culture that combines elements of Chinese and Vietnamese traditions. They speak a Cantonese or Mandarin dialect of Chinese, and also speak Vietnamese. They practice their own set of customs and traditions, such as celebrating Lunar New Year and offering ancestor worship.

Despite their contributions to Vietnamese society, the Chinese-Vietnamese have faced discrimination and backlash from some segments of the Vietnamese population due to their Chinese heritage. During times of political turmoil, the Chinese-Vietnamese have been targeted with violence and property damage. However, in recent years, there have been efforts to promote greater inclusion and appreciation of the Chinese-Vietnamese culture and heritage.