Brian Jeffrey
Vietnam-U.S. Defense Policy Dialogue Marks 30 Years of Relations
Today, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, the Deputy Minister of National Defense, and Mr. John Noh led the 13th dialogue on defense policies between Vietnam and the United States.
This discussion celebrated the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations, highlighting the strengthening partnership that fosters peace and sustainable development, especially in defense matters.
General Chien pointed out that collaboration on addressing war impacts is a significant aspect of the bilateral relationship. This effort has strong backing from both countries’ leadership and is seen as crucial to their partnership.
He expressed appreciation for the U.S.’s announcement regarding a $130 million grant for dioxin cleanup at Bien Hoa airbase, raising the total support to $430 million.
Since their last dialogue, the nations have conducted four mixed excavation missions and returned eight caskets believed to contain U.S. service members’ remains.
Since August 2024, with help from Harvard University, both nations have worked together to return 43 wartime documents related to Vietnamese soldiers to their families.
Looking to the future, both sides plan to enhance cooperation and focus on key areas, such as maintaining dialogue frameworks, training, military medicine, and UN peacekeeping operations, while also supporting each other in multilateral defense discussions.
The Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense is inviting U.S. military personnel to study the Vietnamese language at the Military Science Academy and participate in the International Defense Officials Course at the National Defense Academy.
Both countries expressed a commitment to continued cooperation on issues related to war legacies, emphasizing the need for better communication to improve understanding of this humanitarian partnership with the aim of moving forward to peace and development.
General Chien reiterated Vietnam’s dedication to an independent, peaceful, and cooperative foreign policy, emphasizing multilateral relations and a focus on peaceful dispute resolution in line with international law. He reaffirmed Vietnam’s principles of defense.
On matters concerning the South China Sea, Vietnam reiterated that all parties should comply with established legal norms, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS. Vietnam also called for adherence to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea and encouraged the prompt development of a Code of Conduct.
During the dialogue, Mr. John Noh referenced a recent phone conversation between the two defense ministers, where U.S. Secretary of Defense Hegseth affirmed support for a strong and independent Vietnam.
The U.S. is dedicated to addressing war legacies and values the ongoing MIA program, which reflects a commitment to peaceful cooperation with Vietnam.
Mr. Noh expressed optimism that both nations will effectively carry out the updates in the Vietnam-U.S. Joint Vision Statement on Defense Cooperation, signed in September 2024, and enhance collaborative efforts in shared areas of interest.
The United States acknowledges Vietnam’s pivotal role in the region and aims to strengthen ties for mutual peace, stability, and development globally.
Additionally, General Chien handed over a letter from Vietnam’s Minister of National Defense to the U.S. Secretary of Defense, praising the advancements in their defense relationship and requesting U.S. engagement to facilitate beneficial trade and tariff negotiations.
