Overview
- Secretary of Defense Hegseth made his first visit to Vietnam since taking office on November 2, meeting Defense Minister Phan Van Giang in Hanoi.
- He said the Trump administration supports Vietnam as a mutually beneficial partner, framing the engagement against China's regional rise.
- The visit comes in the 50th year since the end of the Vietnam War, with reconciliation messaging that includes continued cooperation on Agent Orange and unexploded ordnance remediation as reported by local media.
- U.S.–Vietnam security cooperation has been expanding, including U.S. provision of trainer aircraft and broader economic and defense ties.
- Hegseth also announced agreement with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun to re-establish direct military communication channels, with a near-term meeting planned to reduce the risk of accidental clashes.