U.S. Secretary of War Hegseth Strengthens Defense Ties with Vietnam, Marking 30 Years of Diplomatic Relations

HANOI, Vietnam — U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth concluded a successful official visit to Vietnam, celebrating 30 years of U.S.–Vietnam diplomatic relations and pledging to deepen defense cooperation between the two nations.

During his stay in Hanoi, Secretary Hegseth met with Vietnam’s Defense Minister Phan Van Giang and other senior officials to discuss regional security, military cooperation, and war-legacy issues. The talks focused on expanding defense collaboration, enhancing maritime security, and addressing environmental damage left by the Vietnam War, including dioxin cleanup and unexploded ordnance removal.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. The visit also highlighted ongoing discussions over U.S. defense equipment sales to Vietnam, including potential aircraft and helicopter procurements as part of efforts to diversify Hanoi’s defense sources.

Marking three decades since the normalization of diplomatic ties in 1995, Hegseth said the partnership between the two countries has evolved “from former adversaries to trusted strategic partners.” The United States, he added, “remains committed to supporting Vietnam’s sovereignty, independence, and long-term security.”

Although no major arms deal was announced during the trip, officials on both sides described the meetings as “productive” and “forward-looking,” setting the stage for future cooperation.