Vietnam US policy

Hanoi enjoys considerable leverage as a frontline state in Washington's strategic competition with Beijing.

Hanoi's strategic importance to the U.S. and its allies has allowed the Communist Party greater leeway in silencing its critics.

Reconciliation has happened through different measures and in different forms, ranging from efforts to heal wartime wounds to moves aimed at building mutual trust and respect.

The challenge for Washington is that countries like Vietnam are reluctant to sacrifice their relations with either China or the United States.

Every step Vietnam takes toward the United States is accompanied by anxious glances in the direction of Beijing.

Vietnam came under mounting U.S. pressure under the Trump administration over the alleged devaluation of its currency.

The impending U.S. withdrawal could leave Afghanistan vulnerable to a fresh takeover by the Taliban.

In a short statement, the U.S. Trade Representative bats the trade dispute into the Biden administration’s court.

Despite seeking a balance between the superpowers, Vietnam desires more robust security ties with Washington.

Hanoi has had to tread carefully during a fraught period of transition in Washington.

While relatively minor, the duty runs counter to the administration's assiduous attempts to build a regional coalition to stand up to China.