Elevating U.S.-Vietnam Relations
The United States and Vietnam are strengthening their defense cooperation, building on a growing partnership that spans diplomacy, security, and industrial collaboration. On September 9, 2023, President Joe Biden visited Hanoi, Vietnam, to elevate the relationship between the two nations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This partnership covers several areas, including defense, economic endeavors, and diplomatic cooperation.
Speaking at the U.S. Institute of Peace’s 3rd Annual Dialogue on War Legacies and Peace, Jedidiah P. Royal, principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, highlighted the importance of this relationship. A year later, on September 9, 2024, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to strengthening ties with Vietnam during a meeting with Vietnamese Defense Minister Gen. Phan Van Giang at the Pentagon.
Austin emphasized the U.S. focus on overcoming war legacies while continuing to build on the elevated partnership with Vietnam. The cooperation goes beyond defense to also address lingering issues from the Vietnam War, which continue to shape U.S.-Vietnam relations today.
Overcoming War Legacies of Vietnam Together
A key part of the U.S.-Vietnam defense cooperation involves addressing the consequences of the Vietnam War. Both nations are working on accounting for those missing in action, including both U.S. personnel and Vietnamese combatants. This collaboration has helped create trust between the two countries, as they work towards closure for families impacted by the war.
Royal shared that Vietnam has identified the remains of 700 American service members who died during the war and assisted in returning them to their families for burial with full military honors. This work has been crucial in healing wounds from the past, and the search continues for others who remain missing in action.
In addition to these efforts, Vietnam and the United States are collaborating on cleaning up areas contaminated by Agent Orange and removing unexploded ordnance. These projects have already led to the removal of around 700,000 unexploded devices, which have posed serious risks to local communities for decades. Vietnam has also been educating its citizens about the dangers of unexploded mines to prevent further casualties.
Expanding Maritime and Industrial Cooperation
As part of their growing partnership, the United States and Vietnam are also focusing on boosting industrial resilience and strengthening Vietnam’s maritime defense capabilities. Both countries recognize the importance of building a strong defense base, especially as they face shared challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
In July, Vietnam welcomed a visit from the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche at Cam Ranh port. This marked a significant moment in the growing military cooperation between the two countries. In August, Vietnam also hosted the multilateral Pacific Partnership mission and the Pacific Angel humanitarian response mission. These missions emphasize the shared values of cooperation, peace, and security in the region.
Through these military engagements and humanitarian efforts, both nations continue to support each other in navigating security challenges in the Indo-Pacific. Vietnam’s ability to respond to maritime threats has improved significantly thanks to U.S. support, and further collaboration is expected in the years to come.
Shared Goals in the Indo-Pacific
Nations across the Indo-Pacific, including the United States and Vietnam, are united by shared beliefs. These include respect for sovereignty, international law, the free flow of commerce and ideas, and freedom of navigation in the skies and on the seas. Jedidiah Royal highlighted these enduring principles during his speech at the U.S. Institute of Peace.
Royal noted that countries in the region, including Vietnam and the U.S., are committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue rather than conflict. This commitment to peace and cooperation is especially crucial as both nations face growing regional security challenges.
Vietnam and the U.S. share common concerns over security in the Indo-Pacific, including issues related to sovereignty, territorial integrity, and maritime disputes. Through their defense partnership, both countries are working together to ensure a peaceful and secure region, where all nations can prosper.
U.S- Vietnam Ties: The Road Ahead
The future of U.S.-Vietnam defense relations looks promising as both countries continue to expand their cooperation in key areas. The United States has pledged to continue its support for Vietnam’s defense modernization efforts, while also helping to build Vietnam’s maritime awareness and response capabilities.
At the same time, the two nations will continue to collaborate on addressing the lasting impacts of the Vietnam War, including the ongoing search for missing service members and the cleanup of unexploded ordnance. These efforts serve as a foundation for building trust and confidence between the U.S. and Vietnam, paving the way for stronger bilateral relations in the future.
As the Indo-Pacific region continues to evolve, the United States and Vietnam are committed to working together to ensure peace, security, and prosperity for their people. Through their growing defense partnership, both nations are helping to shape the future of the region and uphold shared values of freedom, sovereignty, and respect for international law. By fostering cooperation and strengthening ties, the U.S. and Vietnam are showing the world that nations with a complex history can work together for a brighter future.
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