For many Americans, the physical and psychological wounds of the Vietnam War are still fresh, decades later.
And today President Obama is reopening some of those wounds with a controversial plan to begin arming Vietnam to the teeth.
Obama has just lifted a half-century-old ban on selling arms to Vietnam, looking to bolster a former enemy’s military might in a region that he has tried to place at the center of his foreign policy legacy.
And the move has China furious.
Obama announced the full removal of the embargo at a news conference where he vowed to leave behind the troubled history between the former war enemies and embrace a new era with Vietnam. Obama steered clear of harsh condemnation of what critics see as Vietnam’s abysmal treatment of dissidents.
“At this stage, both sides have established a level of trust and cooperation, including between our militaries, that is reflective of common interests and mutual respect,” Obama said. “This change will ensure that Vietnam has access to the equipment it needs to defend itself and removes a lingering vestige of the Cold War.”
Obama also had more current motivations. His move was the latest step in a yearslong and uneven effort to counter China’s influence in Asia. Obama’s push to deepen defense ties with a neighbor was certain to be eyed with suspicion in Beijing, which has bristled at U.S. engagement in the region and warned officials not to take sides in the heated territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
China itself remains under a weapons embargo imposed by the U.S. and European Union following 1989’s bloody military crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations centered on Beijing’s Tiananmen Square.
For Vietnam, lifting the arms embargo was a psychological boost for leaders. The United States partially lifted the ban in 2014, but Vietnam pushed for full access as it tries to deal with China’s land reclamation and military construction in nearby seas.
It was unclear whether striking the ban would quickly result in a boost in arms sales. Obama said that each deal would be reviewed case by case and evaluated based on the equipment’s potential use. But there would no longer be a ban based on “ideological division,” he said.
“There’s been modest progress on some of the areas that we’ve identified as a concern,” Obama said, adding that the U.S. “will continue to speak out on behalf of human rights we believe are universal.”
Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang embraced the chance to enter a new era in U.S-Vietnamese relations. He praised the expansion in security and trade ties between “former enemies turned friends” and, standing next to Obama before reporters, called for more U.S. investment.
Ahead of the visit, in what was seen as a goodwill gesture, Vietnam granted early release from prison to a prominent dissident Catholic priest.
Some U.S. lawmakers and activists had urged the president to press the communist leadership for greater freedoms before lifting the arms sale embargo. Vietnam holds about 100 political prisoners and there have been more detentions this year. In March, seven bloggers and activists were sentenced for “abusing democratic freedoms” and “spreading anti-state propaganda.” Hanoi says that only lawbreakers are punished.
“In one fell swoop, President Obama has jettisoned what remained of U.S. leverage to improve human rights in Vietnam — and (has) basically gotten nothing for it,” Phil Robertson, with Human Rights Watch, said.
Obama’s arrival in Hanoi late Sunday made him the third sitting president to visit the country since the end of the war. The trip comes four decades after the fall of Saigon, now called Ho Chi Minh City, and two decades after President Bill Clinton restored relations with the nation.
Obama also made the case for stronger commercial and economic ties, including approval of the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement that is stalled in Congress and facing strong opposition from the 2016 presidential candidates. The deal, which includes Vietnam, would tear down trade barriers and encourage investment between the countries that signed it.
Critics worry it would cost jobs by exposing American workers to low-wage competition from countries such as Vietnam.
Obama and Quang earlier attended a signing ceremony touting a series of new commercial deals between U.S. and Vietnamese companies valued at more than $16 billion. The deals included U.S. engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney’s plans to sell 135 advanced engines to Vietnamese air carrier Vietjet, and Boeing’s plans to sell 100 aircraft to the airline.
Obama’s agenda also included separate meetings with prime minister, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, and Communist Party General Secretary, Nguyen Phu Trong. At a luncheon for officials, the president offered thanks for all who came before to “help our nations reconcile.” He singled out U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who served in the Vietnam War, for special mention. He said veterans on both sides had showed “hearts can change and peace is possible.”
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
He’s going to Vietnam. Something our previous two presidents avoided doing 47 years ago.
In my opinion any deals made by obama should be stopped by congress and reevaluated. Obama most probably just wants the money. I feel they should be evaluated first by a logically minded person on what they plan on doing for those weapons. And each weapon they receive should have a internal self destruct or de-commission that can be triggered by us.
Don’t be fooled! We all know what an Obama deal is. Something bad for the USA and a giveaway to someone else, all at the taxpayers expense. And after 59000 of our boys died there!
@ David. “We always know what an Obama deal is. Something bad for the USA”.
Great post!
We’ve been doing business again with Vietnam for many years. Many of our companies have built manufacturing plants there.
@ dfinch so what’ s your point? As a patriotic American, those manufacturing plants should be built here. This is the exact problem with American growth. The Marxist you seem to agree with help every other country rather than our own. Time for a Marxists to be hung. Starting with the weasel limp wristed biracial mongrel know as Barry sorto and the Marxist barrack hussain osshole
Only bad will happen…… AGAIN… The RED Chinese can’t wait to stick it to American Police Actions Vietnam Apocalypse REDUEX II.
We will never ever learn… even on the 50th anniversary of Vietnam for many vets. Same ole shit…
I bet he is trying to make China mad enough to retaliate and set up his Martial Plan to cancel the election.
WAKE UP AMERICA!!!!!!!!
I agree William
Right William.
agree…….but…..I knew when he was going that the American people would get the shaft….and when he goes to japan we will get the shaft……he has done nothing that has been good for us while in office and the irony of it all he should have never been allowed in the white house to begin with,,,,,blame the media and congress……
Obama wants to arm Vietnam against China? My solution: send wuss and wimp Obama to fight but LEAVE OUR MILITARY HOME IN AMERICA TO PROTECT US! If anyone in Congress votes for this, let them know their careers are over, no perks, no pork and they had better find another place to live because traitors will be hanged and assets taken and their families in the streets. Enough is enough. Obama hates our military and wants our men and women dead and not be around to get rid of him!
THIS is WHY we need Trump so badly,if Killery gets in OUR COUNTRY is SCREWED.People better realize what this election is all about,the Country and everything we stand for is at stake
Trump was a draft dodger just like Bill Clinton and Ted nugent during the Vietnam war. He had his chance long ago. Buck????????⚔???????? 100% disabled Vietnam veteran
His was Student deferment Trump’s Draft number was 356 not likely to be called. Towards the end he had a Medical exemption something to do with his feet but if you don’t want Trump you can always vote for Hillary she was most probably one of the people that Spit at you & called you names when you returned. And is still Spitting at our Military, Veterans & Secret Service
If Hillary gets elected, all she will be is Obama # 2 .
And one more reason Obama should have never never been elected and why hasn’t he been impeached
he is the perfect “Manchurian candidate” backed by G. Soros.
Obama hasn’t been impeached or voted out of office because he would scream discrimination and say everyone is prejudice. He would throw out the race card, just like he has done before.
Yes he went to Vietnam and fraternizing with Communists, just like with Cuba. What is his ultimate plan before he goes out of office ?
I felt “annoyed” when President Obama introduced Senator John Kerry in the audience in Viet Nam…..The only change John Kerry has made from the 60’s is that he has a “decent haircut” for this photo shoot! I’ll reserve any other comment! Thank God “Hanoi Jane”, the actress Jane Fonda wasn’t mentioned or my “3” military career brothers would all be minus a TV! They would “punch” her out via the
video screen!!!! She brings out the worse feelings from most Viet Nam veterans. Her comments made life unbearable for many “POWS”! WE, THE SURVIVORS & FAMILIES REMEMBER! THE BLACKBOARD ISN’T COMPLETELY ERASED! ALL VETERANS ESPECIALLY HOMELESS VETS SHOULD RECEIVE TOP NOTCH HEALTHCARE & MONETARY ASSISTANCE! THE SKY SHOULD BE THE LIMIT….YEARLY COLA RAISES ETC. THEY SHOULD GET FREE HAIRCUTS, TRANSPORTATION RIDES, MEALS ETC…….
None of the anti war leaders of nearly 50 years ago ever cared about the multitudes of South Vietnamese that were sent to re-education camps and never returned from 1975 on.
The fairy in the Rainbow House will arm Vietnam to the teeth, they will change sides and march with China to the Middle East! How convenient! Or is it planned?
I believe it is planned. Another distraction to throw people off from main plan.
This has been planned along. With the influx of imported Muslims in our country. Now the Asian Communist counties being armed by our Muslim POTUS. Our weapons being taken away by the Democrats and our Armed Forces being reduced to a citizen fighting force we can expect us as patriot nation to defend ourselves. GOD BLESS AMERICAN AND WHAT IT STANDS FOR.
Arm Vietnam and foment military action in the area. Where will this money come from? He is steadily deconstructing our
military at home and making us weaker. The Executive Anus has some really nefarious plot in mind and we will be paying
the price for it.
I left a comment which was not published. Wonder why?
VIETNAM!!!!!!!!!!!! Really????????????????I still have horrible memories of that WAR that killed millions. I was a teenager. Vietnam was beyond belief. Many of our soldiers were skinned alive and left out to burn in the sun. I’m sure the war veterans will be upset about this. What the hell is going on??????????????????????????
My husband was a navigator, & rescue pilot during several ltours of duty toViet Nam. He “hundreds of missions” in & out of country for 8 years. His last flight was to assist with the return of our POWS. He died from Agent Orange & PSP DISEASE, Heart ailment…. It took 30 years for our government to recognize his illness was related to Viet Nam (chemical exposures etc) . I knew long before. I was left without a spouse & my son’s without a dad for 8 years. Remember the military draft was active during VIet Nam..Many young men (college grads) etc had to give up their employment, studies & potential careers. It was a long haul from 1966 to 1976! There is a lot more to this “untold story”. 4 students from my husbands undergraduate pilot training class were killed during their 1st tour in Viet Nam (fighter pilots). Our country was in great turmoil with demonstrations & civil unrest…..the 60’s & 70’s….Never Again!
I am a Viet Nam
Vet (1966 – 1968) who was stationed at Da Nang RVN and at the time the NVA were our enemy. Our job was to kill them
and theirs was to kill us. The problem goes back to the Conference at Malts when the Allies laid plans to divide up the
spoils of war after WW II was over. Viet Nam (Formely known as Indo China) wanted to be a free and independent
Nation with the ability to govern itself. The French wanted to maintain their colonial power over it against the will of the
Vietnamese. The results, the communist formed a strong Communist party in the North and they were funded and
fueled by both the Russians and the Chinese governments. Both the Russians and Chinese Communist infiltrated
the schools in the United States and fermented unrest and anti-war groups among the students who were willing
followers to protest the war and cause riots in our Nation. It was one we should never have been involved in from the
very onset and when we agreed to let the French attempt to continue the old colonial rule we set up the grounds for
a long civil war in which we lost many American lives and others also. That time has passed and Viet Nam is a
Nation that has prospered to a large degree since the end of the war. There is much history of us aligning ourselves
with our former enemies when it has proven beneficial to our nation and to help us build our own security and
economy after a war is over. Talking to many friends who were stationed there during the Viet Nam War who
have gone back to close old wounds and find peace they say the Vietnamese people are friendly, the nation is
recovering and many of them say they would be willing to open businesses over there which would benefit both
the USA and Viet Nam. Whether or not we would re-establish a military base there again is something that
could be in our favor but that is something to be discussed at a later time and negotiations which might be favorable
to both parties.
Well said James, my uncle who recently passed volunteered for nam, 14hundred stitches later 14differnt bone breaks, he came home. He was hit in da nang during the Ted offensive. I think most american’s have no issues with Vietnam. With the poverty here, and unemployment due to the 150million Mexican nationals currently living in the United States, why on earth are we propping other countries up financially? To give 150billion to the Iranians is treason. Could you imagine during Vietnam giving the communists that kind of money? Both counties killed our boys, giving aid & comfort is a chrime. How is osshole still in office, and how did Jane Hanoi Fonda have a bad acting career? Drop dead Jane, you too half breaded
University of South Vietnam. Late 1965- end of 1969. They took us on and won fair and square. They have done pretty well for themselves since. Matter of fact I recently completed a couple of years on a large commercial project in a US southern state. Very surprisef to find all the steel pipe used (sevaral miles in total) was a product of Vietnam, and was top quality. I suspect that they will not survive our “friendship” as well as they did the war. Most countries that we decide to befriend usually come out on the short end. i wish them better luck if possible.
Can you say Iran again. Have you ever heard the expression (loose cannon)? That is what we now have speaking for us. Not happy with our Commander and Chief. He is becoming more of an embarrassment to our country the longer he is in office.
So he doesn’t want US owning guns, but he’s gong to let the guys that ran our allies out of their own country stock up?
I guess that’s typical Obummer.
More than that but an excellent point about disarming us. This Marxist bastard looks like he wants to start ww3. I don,t remember giving the Japanese arms after they attacked us. Any ignorant American who backs this vile subhuman being, should be banished from our shores.
the key is the weapon makers,need friend or foe to sell there stuff ,All over the world,to make Money,money,money,that,s key
the don,t care,how many,of there own people get whip out,just think back in history!!!,-the civil war,the spanish-amerikan.
1st-world.-2nd-word- korea,-vietnam.-somalia.-irak.-affganistan.-libya,syria.-in about all of south american countries,to sell,sell,
and sacrifice there soldiers,!!!
We need to impeach this weak and brainless president.
This is just another blatant example of his stupidity .
We could use the money this cost at home to fix things here.
Mame he isn’t stupid, no one could be this dumb, his action are intentional, and are made to “fundamentally change American” the only thing this bastard said that was true. He knows exactly what he,s going taken straight from the Marxist handbook.
The faux potus continues to arm all these other countries, bring in thousands of isis wanna be’s, and demand the dis armament of the American people, and the gun grabbers are too STUPID to see where that leaves us. I for one of about 100,000,000 fellow gun owners WILL NOT GIVE UP MY ONLY EQUALLIZER for this stupid overpowered government to give my country away !!
Arming Vietnam to defend against China is spitting in the wind! China would roll over them in a second! Then, we would have to go to war to save their sorry commy ass!
Both are Asians. What if they whole idea is to team them up? Armageddon, written in revelation says that a 200million man army will march against Isreal in the final days. In other words, a world army will come against Isreal, how can that be achieved? Alliances, sorta like what oasshole is doing. Hand the bastard
Hang
Vietnam isn’t scared of China. They’ve fought numerous wars lasting many years (one for about 1000 years). I’m going against the grain here, but this may be Mr. Obama’s best foreign policy move in his Presidency. The Chinese know theirs and Vietnam’s history. They may think twice before starting something stupid with them. Give this Obama move a couple of years to judge.
Unfortunately, we never learn!! If I remember correctly we also armed Afghanistan to fight against the Russians. How is that working out for us??????? How many other countries have we armed ti the hilt only to have them used to KILL and MAIM U.S. service men and women.
That was in 1980 the mujahideen were the freedom fighters that whacked 225 thousand Russians 4times the amount lost in American lives in nam. The mujahideen that reprinted the afghans weren,t the problem, the Russians we’re trying no to steal oil, and open a pathway to the Persian gulf.
Obama , I am a 100% Disabled Veteran from the war in Vietnam. I lost a lot of my blood over there. I sent three years in Nam fight for the freedom of the insent people. I have several Purple Hearts from it. Who the “HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?” I always said and I tell people this, You are a trador to this country. Going to the highes bidder. What kind of “KICK BACK DO YOU GET?”
A Concerened Veteran.
What a FUCKING HYPOCRITE!!!!!! He wants to take away and BAN our guns but yet he wants to give guns to a Communist country so they can essentially fight their allies? Obuma is the biggest FUCKING ASSHOLE president the United States has EVER had. Why did the idiots in this country ever elect him in 2008 and why IN THE HELL did they reelect him?
How much I wish that I was trained in SEAL tactics and Sniper trained. I would blow his DAMNED head off his shoulders, then go out to dinner and a movie just to celebrate. I hate this socialist pig POS POTUS.
I wish I could help you, I’d even buy dinner
Amazing, he also helped Morsi backed by the Brotherhood, a terrorist group and yet he would not help El-Sisi who is fighting ISIS. This ” President” should be impeached. He is the most corrupt and divisive president in history!
Obama selling arms to a communist country is so pathetic. To top it of, he bowed in front of them for all of the world to see. This will probably backfire against us as most of the countries we help, turn around and stab us in the back. PATHETIC.
There’s an ulterior motive, we may never know. Enraging China into war would serve his agenda well.
Some say that D’OweBama is the antichrist; i found a link which shows a video claiming that the Russians knew he was the antichrist back in the eighties.
If true, he’s trying his best to foment the 3rd World War by abandoning our friends, arming our enemies, and then antagonizing them!
It’s an old, old strategy that he’s implementing, one i first heard about from G. Edward Griffin. It’s called the “A-I-F” strategy, aka “Agitate, Insulate, Facilitate.” If interested in the whole essay(worth reading, about 30 pages long), google “The Grand Deception: A Second Look at the War on Terror,” and you’ll learn a LOT of history that particular parts of the USG would prefer you remained ignorant of.
Anyway, the strategy works like this:
First, “agitate” the foe you wish to stir up against you.
Second, “insulate” the victims of the coming terror attack against learning any information concerning that attack.
Third, “facilitate” the attackers by not moving against them until their terror attack is complete.
Worked to start WW1(Lusitania), worked to start WW2(Pearl Harbor), worked to start the Shrub’s illegal wars of aggression against both Iraq and Afghanistan(911).
In a nutshell, it’s like a woman picking and picking, nagging and nagging, often punching on a guy ’til he can’t stand it no more and he pops her one, then she cries to the police about “domestic violence” and he goes to jail.
Maybe a shorter version is to do everything you can think of to make your opponent strike first, then you can say “Ok, he started it, now i’ll finish it!”
That’s another reason why you see so many outrages against Americans and American businesses, too; certain eschelons of the USG WANT fools to try to start a rebellion so they can say “They started it!”, then feel fully justified in using overwhelming force against it. It’s like the cops agitating you on purpose(say, smashing a taillight and giving you a ticket for faulty equipment and littering), then beating the hell out of you when you dare to complain or “backtalk” them.