U.S.-Vietnam defense relations

If confirmed, the purchase would be the largest ever arms deal between Hanoi and Washington.

There is no reason to believe that the bilateral relationship will not continue along its current positive trajectory.

The USS Blue Ridge has returned to central Vietnam, a half-century after taking part in the final phase of the U.S. war in Vietnam.

While allowing foreign navies to call at its ports supports Vietnam's omnidirectional foreign policy, its relationship with China remains the most important variable.

The six-day friendship visit by the USS Ronald Reagan comes a year after Vietnam canceled a similar planned exchange.

The South China Sea is where the rubber meets the road for U.S.-Vietnam security ties, and in this regard, Hanoi has gone as far as it is comfortable.

There is ample room to expand the burgeoning U.S.-Vietnam relationship.

Mutual willingness to proceed with the visit indicates that the trust between Washington and Hanoi has reached a new level.

Vietnam needs more radical thinking on defense in order to adapt and keep pace with changes in the region.

Vietnam is famous for the “Three Nos,” but Hanoi has been flexible in interpreting those in practice.

The Trump administration is continuing positive momentum in U.S.-Vietnam relations.