Hegseth in Vietnam to Strengthen Defense Ties and Reassure Cautious US Partner

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was in Vietnam on Sunday, reaffirming a partnership built on healing the scars of the Vietnam War in a trip that will test whether Washington can reassure a vital but wary partner. Hegseth said addressing the legacies of the war, which ended 50 years ago in April, “remains the foundation of our defense relationship and a top priority for this administration and the Department of War.” Hegseth’s visit also marks 30 years of diplomatic ties between the former foes and two years since they upgraded relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Vietnam’s highest diplomatic status.