President Donald Trump has been sending letters to countries outlining higher tariffs they’ll face if they don’t make trade deals with the U.S. by Aug. 1.

For most world leaders, tariff letters from US President Donald Trump mean a big headache. But for one Southeast Asian general, the communique is being spun as welcome recognition of the embattled, isolated and reviled junta he leads.

Vietnam’s leadership was caught off guard by US President Donald Trump’s announcement last week that it agreed to a 20% tariff, and the Southeast Asian nation is still seeking to lower the rate, according to people familiar with the matter.

Vietnam rushed to meet the July 9 trade deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump, hoping to escape a round of harsh reciprocal tariffs. But that early move has now left officials in Hanoi and major manufacturers facing more confusion than clarity.

Vietnam thought it had a preliminary deal with the U.S. to lower its tariff level substantially. Then, at the last minute, President Donald Trump raised the rate.