U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Vietnam on Sunday, reaffirming a partnership rooted in healing the wounds of the Vietnam War while exploring deeper defence cooperation. The visit marks 30 years of diplomatic relations and two years since the two nations elevated ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Hegseth emphasized that addressing the legacies of the war—unexploded ordnance, Agent Orange cleanup, and recovery of missing soldiers—remains central to U.S.-Vietnam relations. Analysts say these humanitarian efforts provide essential political cover for Hanoi to expand defence cooperation with Washington, even as Vietnam maintains ties with Russia and North Korea. Amid regional uncertainty and U.S. funding fluctuations, the renewed commitment to post-war projects highlights Washington’s intent to strengthen trust and demonstrate long-term responsibility in Southeast Asia#USDiplomacy #Vietnam #PeteHegseth #USVietnamRelations #Defense #IndoPacific #AgentOrange #WarLegacy #Hanoi #WorldNews
