U.S.-Vietnam relations

Comments by U.S. President Joe Biden last week seem to suggest so, but there is reason to remain skeptical pending further confirmations.

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 veteran writer talks about the "small group of thoughtful, committed citizens” that helped publicize the horrific legacies of the war – and foster reconciliation between two former enemies.

The visit of the USS Ronald Reagan came as Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh embarked on his first visit to Beijing since his appointment in 2021.

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

Despite growing cooperation with Washington, an anti-U.S. streak runs deep among communist leaders and the general public alike. 

As has been the case for much of history, stable, manageable relations with China form the foundation of the country's foreign policy.

Harris said she spoke with Vietnamese leaders in particular about the release of political dissidents.

The momentum is now set for the two countries to announce their long overdue strategic partnership the next time their top leaders meet in person.

According to the latest Asian Barometer Survey, China has more influence – but a less positive image – in Vietnam compared to United States.

The unprecedented designation threatens to generate frictions with an important U.S. partner in Southeast Asia.

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.