Vietnamese SCS stuff is for political theater and the government knows it, which is why China mostly bullies Philippines. It's ez pz to bully the Philippines (actually, justifiably striking back against their aggression) and make their sponsor look weak.
I wouldn't be too sad if Vietnam is allowed to keep a few islands for their loyalty once the hegemon and its puppets are kicked out.
I really dont think that China would be belligerent or haughty with Vietnam.
Actually, looking through the history of resolved dispute and current tendencies of Chinese negotiations… China is entirely reasonable. So I find it highly likely that post-US withdrawal, Vietnam and China are likely to come to an agreement that’s more or less fair.
