This resolution commemorates 30 years of normalized diplomatic relations between the United States and Vietnam, celebrating the growth of their partnership while honoring shared history and committing to future cooperation.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
This resolution commemorates 30 years of normalized diplomatic relations between the United States and Vietnam, celebrating the significant progress made since the end of the war. It reviews the key milestones that built the current Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including trade normalization and mutual cooperation. The resolution also honors the contributions of Vietnamese Americans and reaffirms commitment to ongoing reconciliation efforts and regional stability.
U.S. Resolution Commemorates 30 Years of Vietnam Ties, Reaffirms Funding for War Legacy Cleanup
This resolution is essentially a diplomatic high-five, marking 30 years since the U.S. and Vietnam officially normalized relations on July 11, 1995. While it doesn't change any law directly, it serves as a formal acknowledgment of the historical journey—from enemies to comprehensive strategic partners—and reaffirms the U.S. commitment to ongoing reconciliation efforts, especially concerning the war’s lasting impact.
The Diplomatic History Lesson
Think of this as the government reading its own history report. The resolution meticulously walks through the timeline of the relationship, noting key steps taken by every administration from Reagan to Biden. It highlights the pivotal moments that led to today’s partnership, such as President Clinton lifting the trade embargo in 1994 and the subsequent granting of permanent normal trade relations status in 2006. This matters because it underscores that the current robust trade and security relationship wasn't an accident; it was a decades-long, bipartisan effort.
What This Means for Everyday People
For most people, a foreign policy resolution might feel abstract, but this one touches down in a few tangible ways. First, it formally honors the hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese Americans who have settled here. This community has played a crucial role in bridging the two nations, both culturally and economically. For those running small businesses or working in international trade, the continued strengthening of the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" affirmed here means more stable trade routes and investment opportunities between the two countries.
Commitment to Cleaning Up the Past
One of the most concrete provisions in this resolution is the reaffirmation of the U.S. commitment to funding and operational support for programs dealing with the war’s legacy. This isn't just talk; this is about ensuring money keeps flowing to critical projects. Specifically, the resolution highlights support for cleaning up dioxin contamination at sites like Bien Hoa Airport, removing unexploded ordnance (UXO), and supporting people with disabilities affected by the war. For U.S. veterans and their families, it also reaffirms the commitment to accounting for missing service members (MIA/POW) from both sides, ensuring that reconciliation efforts continue.
Looking Ahead: Stability in the Indo-Pacific
The resolution concludes by confirming that the U.S. will continue to strengthen cooperation across trade, defense, health, and human rights. This isn't just about Vietnam; it's about regional stability. By affirming the U.S.-Vietnam partnership, guided by principles of respecting international law and sovereignty, the resolution sends a clear signal that the two nations are aligned in supporting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. In short, this resolution confirms that a decades-long investment in diplomacy is paying off, both for trade and for cleaning up the environmental and human costs of the past.