Who would have thought that the United States would consider lifting an arms embargo on Vietnam after fighting a losing war there. And it’s under consideration because Vietnam is concerned about encroachment by a fellow communist country, China, which helped arm the victorious North Vietnamese against the U.S.
Monday’s visit by President Barack Obama marks the third such trip by an American president since diplomatic relations were re-established in 1995.
Weighing heavily on Obama against lifting the 41-year arms embargo is Vietnam’s human rights record. One prominent political prisoner was released Friday. But Vietnam is said to detain the most political prisoners in Southeast Asia. Media is repressed and public protest is subject to crackdown.
Vietnam and the U.S. have a common interest in reversing China’s provocative behavior in the South China Sea. Both countries have common interest in developing stronger trade and cultural ties. Where does human rights fit into the equation?
“VOA will present the policies of the United States clearly and effectively, and will also present responsible discussion and opinion on these policies.” — VOA Charter
Great Power Confrontation in the South China Sea
The US and Russia are not the only non-South China Sea states believing they have an interest in that contested body of water. India and, more recently, Japan have also made their presence felt, sending ships through what they consider to be a part of the global commons.
South China Sea: Bracing for Beijing’s Next Move
The United States should continue this trend by serving notice to the Chinese, privately at first, then publicly, that unless they can help in reducing tensions in the region…they will leave U.S. leaders with no choice but to reinforce their alliance capabilities. Then, the United States should do exactly that.
China’s Self-Defeating Provocations in the South China Sea
By its small-scale tactical military deployments on indefensible islands in the South China Sea, China is antagonizing all the other littoral countries, which are … turning to the United States and Japan … to increase military cooperation and to request additional security assistance
How to Oppose China’s Bid for Maritime Dominance
In this deteriorating situation…a more consistent, robust set of American responses is essential….Deploy American Coast Guard cutters to the western Pacific…Expand cooperation with regional states…Impose explicit costs on Chinese aggressive behavior
China’s Missile Provocation
Beijing’s purpose is to box out rival claims from other countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia….China risks destabilizing the region by seeking to impose its will rather than reconciling the competing claims.
Vietnam Dangles at the Tip of the Chinese Spear
Vietnam knows a rapidly militarizing China wants its natural resources, and is responding to this undisguised aggression with its own significant military buildup to protect itself. There are also cautious overtures being made to the United States by Vietnam, perhaps hoping to tuck itself beneath the security umbrella enjoyed by other U.S. allies in Asia…