Strengthening Ties: Vietnam as a Crucial Strategic Partner for the U.S.
Strategic Importance of Vietnam
The threat posed by China should encourage the U.S. and Vietnam, once adversaries, to forge a tight security relationship. Vietnam, a country bursting with youthful energy and an average age of just 31, has a thriving capitalist economy that may achieve 10% growth this year despite living under single-party communist rule. Strategically positioned along the western side of the East Sea, Vietnam has several maritime disputes with its neighbors, especially China.
Historical Context and Evolving Relations
James Stavridis reflects on his experiences in Vietnam, both past and present. He recalls his time as a Navy officer in the late 1970s on a humanitarian mission rescuing Vietnamese refugees. Today, nearly 2 million Vietnamese-Americans live in the U.S., contributing significantly to the economy and society, particularly in California and Texas. Despite the traumatic history of the Vietnam War, relations between the two nations have warmed significantly, driven by mutual interests and a shared concern about China's ambitions in the East Sea.
Shared Concerns About China
Vietnam's and the U.S.'s mutual interest in denying China the ability to dominate the East Sea is a fundamental geopolitical backdrop. China’s aggressive actions, including building artificial islands and moving large maritime platforms into contested waters, have led to increased tensions. Vietnam opposes this maritime aggression and has clashed with China at sea. Consequently, the U.S. has become increasingly popular in Vietnam, while China is viewed as a threat despite significant trade and tourism ties.
Strengthening Military Cooperation
An improved U.S. strategy for engaging with Vietnam should include a robust military component, starting with joint exercises in the East Sea and inviting the Vietnamese navy to participate in larger U.S. training events. Vietnam’s participation in the U.S. Navy’s Rim of the Pacific exercise off Hawaii should be expanded. Additionally, the U.S. could provide Vietnam with more sophisticated military equipment, particularly maritime sensors, and donate more decommissioned Coast Guard and Navy vessels.
Moving Towards Strategic Partnership
Washington should aim for a strong informal cooperative security arrangement with Vietnam, rather than a full-blown defense treaty. High-level engagements should continue, building on recent diplomatic visits. Drawing Vietnam into stronger relationships with other U.S. allies in East Asia, such as Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, would also be beneficial. Addressing competing maritime claims among these nations could help focus on the common threat posed by China.
Economic and Diplomatic Initiatives
A comprehensive U.S. strategy should include economic components, such as exploring a new bilateral free-trade agreement or rejoining the Trans-Pacific Partnership. U.S. firms are attracted to Vietnam for its low-cost labor and entry-level markets, with significant opportunities in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. High-level diplomatic engagement should continue, promoting cooperation on maritime environmental issues crucial for Vietnam.
Personal Reflections and Future Prospects
Stavridis reflects on meeting Kim Phuc, the "napalm girl" from a famous Vietnam War photograph, who now advocates for forgiveness and moving forward. The Vietnamese diaspora in the U.S. sends $8 billion in annual remittances to Vietnam and helps bridge the two nations. This community will be instrumental in deepening U.S.-Vietnam relations, fostering a powerful potential partnership and friendship.
Reference: By James Stavridis @ Bloomberg
