Strengthening Bonds: The Implications of Elevated US-Vietnam Ties

The Historical Context

The history between the United States and Vietnam is indeed complex and carries the weight of a devastating war that reshaped the course of both nations. The Vietnam War, which spanned from the mid-1950s to 1975, culminated in the fall of Saigon and the reunification of North and South Vietnam. It left deep scars on both countries, with significant human and economic costs.

In the immediate aftermath of the war, the relationship between the United States and Vietnam remained strained. The United States imposed a trade embargo on Vietnam, isolating the nation on the international stage. This period of tension and estrangement persisted until 1994 when the U.S. officially lifted the trade embargo, marking a significant turning point.

The past two decades have witnessed a remarkable transformation in the U.S.-Vietnam relationship. Both nations have recognized the need to move beyond the shadows of the past and find common ground in addressing regional challenges and advancing their respective economic interests. Vietnam's shift from a centrally planned economy to a more open and market-oriented model has paved the way for increased trade and investment from the United States.

Today, the comprehensive strategic partnership between the United States and Vietnam stands as a testament to the power of diplomacy and the potential for reconciliation even in the face of a tumultuous history. It reflects shared interests in areas such as trade, security, and regional stability, underscoring the importance of cooperation in an ever-evolving geopolitical landscape.

As both nations continue to strengthen their ties, they do so with an awareness of the complexities that history has bestowed upon them. The lessons learned from the past serve as a foundation for building a more constructive and mutually beneficial relationship in the present and future.

The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

The elevation of U.S.-Vietnam ties to a "comprehensive strategic partnership" is not merely symbolic but reflects a genuine commitment to cooperation in various domains. This partnership encompasses a wide range of issues, from trade and investment to security and climate change. It signals a desire to build a multifaceted relationship that goes beyond trade and investment.

Economic Opportunities Abound

One of the central pillars of this upgraded relationship is economic cooperation. Vietnam, with its young and dynamic workforce, has rapidly emerged as an attractive destination for foreign investment. The United States is poised to benefit significantly from this development. During President Biden's visit, Vietnam Airlines committed to buying 50 Boeing 737 Max jets, a deal that not only boosts the U.S. aerospace industry but also deepens economic ties between the two nations.

Moreover, the United States aims to support Vietnam's development of rare earth minerals, train semiconductor engineers, enhance climate resilience, and aid in the cleanup of dioxin contamination remaining from the Vietnam War. These initiatives not only contribute to Vietnam's economic growth but also foster goodwill between the two nations.

Navigating Geopolitical Complexities

While the upgraded partnership is driven by shared economic interests, it also has important geopolitical implications, especially in the context of China's assertiveness in the region. Vietnam, like other Southeast Asian nations, finds itself caught between the influence of the United States and China. The South China Sea dispute remains a significant point of contention, with Beijing's territorial claims raising concerns among its neighbors.

For Vietnam, a stronger alliance with the United States offers a counterbalance to China's expanding reach. By enhancing cooperation with the United States, Vietnam seeks to assert its sovereignty in the South China Sea and resist any unilateral actions that challenge international norms. The Biden administration's focus on the Indo-Pacific, through initiatives like the Quad and strengthening ties with regional partners like Vietnam, underscores the United States' commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.

China's Reaction and Vietnam's Delicate Balancing Act

China's response to the elevated U.S.-Vietnam partnership has been cautious but watchful. Chinese officials have called for the United States to avoid targeting a "third party" in its dealings with Asian countries, emphasizing the importance of maintaining regional peace and stability. Vietnam has also sought to assuage China's concerns by discussing top-level visits to Hanoi by Chinese leaders, signaling that it does not intend to provoke its powerful neighbor.

However, Vietnam's leaders have likely calculated that the timing is right for this partnership, given the growing tensions in U.S.-China relations. With the United States and China locked in a series of disputes ranging from trade to human rights, Vietnam sees an opportunity to strengthen its ties with Washington without necessarily alienating Beijing entirely. This balancing act showcases Vietnam's diplomatic finesse as it navigates complex regional dynamics.

Economic Prosperity and Human Rights

The elevation of U.S.-Vietnam ties, while promising economic prosperity and regional stability, does introduce a complex dimension related to human rights. President Biden's emphasis on addressing human rights issues in Vietnam, alongside other partners like India, underscores the United States' commitment to its values even as it engages in strategic partnerships.

The Vietnamese government's track record on human rights remains a contentious issue on the global stage. Concerns regarding censorship, suppression of political dissent, and restrictions on freedom of speech have drawn criticism from international observers and advocacy groups. As the United States seeks to deepen its relationship with Vietnam, these concerns are likely to come under increased scrutiny.

U.S. lawmakers and advocacy groups have a vital role to play in holding Vietnam accountable for its human rights record. The promotion of human rights is a core tenet of American foreign policy, and it is expected that calls for improvements in Vietnam's record will persist. Balancing economic interests with human rights concerns presents a formidable challenge for both nations.

Vietnam's leaders will need to navigate this delicate terrain by demonstrating a commitment to addressing human rights issues while preserving the momentum of their economic and strategic partnership with the United States. Open dialogue and cooperative efforts to improve human rights conditions should be encouraged.

For the United States, it is essential to maintain consistency in its approach to human rights issues across various partnerships. While economic and security interests are crucial, upholding democratic values and human rights principles should remain non-negotiable. Striking this balance will require diplomatic finesse and continuous engagement.

The Road Ahead

In this era of geopolitical realignments and shifting alliances, the elevation of U.S.-Vietnam ties serves as a compelling case study in diplomacy's transformative power. As Vietnam charts its path towards regional influence, it faces the delicate task of managing its relations with two global giants, the United States and China. Balancing economic opportunities with geopolitical considerations requires finesse, and Vietnam's leadership will need to display a nuanced approach to safeguard its interests.

For the United States, its role as a global superpower brings both opportunities and responsibilities. While strengthening its partnerships in Southeast Asia, it must be mindful of the region's sensitivities and concerns. Recognizing that its allies, including Vietnam, may also have complex relationships with China, Washington must navigate these dynamics with tact. This requires a delicate balancing act that prioritizes the region's stability and shared objectives.

The comprehensive strategic partnership between the United States and Vietnam signifies more than just bilateral cooperation; it symbolizes a united front in addressing regional challenges. Beyond economic gains and security cooperation, this partnership represents a commitment to upholding the principles of a free and open Indo-Pacific. In an era of great power competition, it underscores the importance of multilateralism, diplomacy, and collective action.

Looking ahead, both nations must remain vigilant and adaptable. Geopolitical dynamics can evolve rapidly, and unforeseen challenges may emerge. The success of this partnership will depend on continuous dialogue, cooperation, and the ability to navigate complexities while staying true to shared values. As Vietnam grows bolder and the United States seeks to maintain a stable balance of power in the Indo-Pacific, this partnership holds the promise of fostering economic growth, enhancing regional security, and contributing to greater stability in a strategically vital part of the world.

References

1. https://www.ft.com/content/19b2f8f4-830a-469d-b633-226e2bb1a9d1
2. https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/U.S.-upgrades-Vietnam-ties-as-Biden-blasts-China-for-changing-rules
3. https://www.reuters.com/world/us-expects-upgrade-vietnam-ties-risks-china-anger-2023-09-03/
4. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/09/11/joint-leaders-statement-elevating-united-states-vietnam-relations-to-a-comprehensive-strategic-partnership/
5. https://www.wsj.com/world/asia/biden-seeks-stronger-vietnam-ties-in-bid-to-counter-china-605517df
6. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/12/china-concerns-drive-historic-upgrade-in-us-vietnam-relations
7. https://vn.usembassy.gov/chronology-of-u-s-vietnam-relations/
8. https://www.cfr.org/blog/assessing-bolstered-us-vietnam-relationship

Pic Courtsey-Ammie Ngo at unsplash.com

(The views expressed are those of the author and do not represent views of CESCUBE.)