Former Foe, Now a Friend

Vietnam and the United States have a long history of war. It was only in 1995 when the formal normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries was announced. Since then, the diplomatic relations between them have deepened. In fact, Vietnam is considered to be one of the pro-American countries in Southeast Asia today — a proof that relationships change no matter how permanent they seem to be.

As a part of a week-long trip to Asia, President Obama recently visited Vietnam. 41 years after the Vietnam War, the United States now wants to improve economic and security cooperation with it. New businesses, increased military cooperation, research programs between the countries’ universities, and cultural exchanges, which include the introduction of the U.S. Peace Corps in Vietnam, are some of the new changes to be expected from the cooperation between the former adversaries. The biggest mutual investment however, is the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal, if it were to be approved.

Obama’s visit is deemed a new chapter in the developing friendship between the two countries. In a speech that Obama delivered in Hanoi, he took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of human rights in the development of the communist nation. He also hoped for a new chapter in the U.S.-Vietnam relations as he formally closed the old chapter of war between the two countries. A part of this closure is Vietnam’s assistance in locating the remains of missing American soldiers. In return, Obama also promised to provide assistance in the removal of landmines and unexploded artillery that remained after the war.

Probably the highlight of Obama’s visit is the lifting of the 32-year old U.S. embargo on sales of lethal weapons to its former enemy. He believes lifting the embargo removes the traces of the Cold War. However, with the ongoing maritime disputes involving China, Vietnam, and other countries, many people speculate that the decision is related to the United States’ promotion of the right to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. In fact, China expressed its concern over the U.S.’s lifting of arms embargo and its effect on the territorial disputes in the region.

Nevertheless, Obama’s visit was generally received positively. Many Vietnamese locals were very pleased to see the growing partnership between their nation and the United States. They happily welcome any assistance coming from it. Some young Vietnamese were even excited to share photos of the American president on social media.