In the past decade, the United States and Vietnam have normalized diplomatic relations, established permanent trade ties, and launched a budding military-to-military relationship. But as Washington seeks to upgrade its relationship with Hanoi, Vietnam is hedging against overdependence on either its northern neighbor, China, or the United States by balancing its ties with each off of the other. China’s growing influence in Southeast Asia places these developments in sharp relief: if the U.S.-Vietnamese relationship flourishes, Vietnam may serve as a bulwark against Chinese influence in the region and a model for security partnership with the United States. If it fails, the prospects for the “freedom agenda” in Southeast Asia will be dimmed by Beijing’s shadow.

How can the United States manage an agenda with Vietnam that does not sacrifice such priorities as human rights and democratization while fostering a potential stronghold against Chinese domination of Southeast Asia? What are Vietnam’s priorities for its relationship with the United States? How can a country emulating the “Chinese model” of political and economic development be a true U.S. security partner? How does China seek to influence Vietnam’s political development? On February 7, AEI will host a panel discussion on these and other questions about U.S.-Vietnam relations, followed by a keynote speech by former ambassador to Vietnam Raymond Burghardt.