Overview
- Hegseth met Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang in Hanoi on November 2 in a visit that coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War’s end.
- The talks sought to strengthen security cooperation with China’s growing regional influence explicitly in view.
- Hegseth said the Trump administration supports Vietnam as a mutually beneficial partner, and Giang said the visit would enhance their comprehensive strategic partnership.
- Hegseth signaled continued cooperation on addressing wartime legacies in Vietnam, including Agent Orange contamination and unexploded ordnance.
- Separately, Hegseth said he and China’s defense minister agreed to reestablish direct military dialogue channels with a meeting planned to reduce the risk of incidents.