U.S. Aircraft Carrier Docks in Vietnam, Reinforcing Bilateral Security Ties

For the fourth time since the Vietnam War ended, a United States aircraft carrier docked in Vietnam on Thursday. The visit underscores growing security cooperation amid ongoing economic disputes and regional stability concerns.

The George Washington entered the calm waters near Da Nang on the 70th day of its deployment, close to the beaches where U.S. Marines first landed in 1965—an event that ultimately resulted in the deaths of more than 58,000 Americans and 2 million Vietnamese.

The seven‑day port call, the longest stay in Vietnam for an American warship since the two nations restored relations in 1995, was celebrated by both sides as evidence of the strides made since their former conflict.

“We consider this visit to be of exceptional importance for multiple reasons,” said Capt. Nicholas DeLeo, commander of the ship. He highlighted that the 5,000 sailors—many of whom are Vietnamese American—were in Da Nang “to strengthen the friendship with the Vietnamese people.”

Why Now?

Vietnam has become an increasingly attractive naval waypoint for numerous countries as its foreign‑policy stance shifts toward multi‑alignment, seeking partnerships beyond the traditional U.S.–China dichotomy.

So far this year, Vietnam has welcomed naval vessels from Russia, China, India, Indonesia, Australia, and Japan.

For the United States, Vietnam occupies a strategic geolocational position—adjacent to China and pivotal for any efforts to counter Beijing’s expansion in the South China Sea’s contested islands and vital shipping lanes.

American officials view the port visit as a means to reassure Vietnam and to signal strength to China.

The George Washington, a nuclear‑powered carrier, exemplifies Admiral Samuel J. Paparo’s view that “presence generates deterrence.”

“Credible, rapid, and sustained combat power visible across the Indo‑Pacific deters acts of aggression that threaten regional stability,” he told Congress in April.

How Well do Vietnam and the U.S. Get Along?

The United States and Vietnam are not formal allies, and they differ in the level of partnership they seek.

American officials frequently emphasize the potential for security collaboration, while Vietnam’s propaganda commission recently cautioned local media against exaggerating the carrier’s arrival.

“Emphasize ASD routine friendship and exchange activity; do not glorify U.S. power,” the guidelines stated passage.

Nguyen Khac Giang, a visiting fellow at the ISEAS‑Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, noted that Vietnam seeks a careful balance.

Vietnam’s leaders want to signal China that they have alternatives if stronger partners are needed in the South China Sea—inscribed as a “common interest”—without giving Beijing the impression that they are fully integrated into the U.S. containment strategy.

The ties between Hanoi and Washington have also been strained over trade disputes.

Vietnam exports substantially more to the United States than it imports, widening the gap. Recent tariff negotiations have stalled without an agreement, according to officials close to the talks, over Chinese products fabricated in or routed through Vietnam.

“The U.S. may view these issues separately, but I doubt the Vietnamese will agree,” Mr. Giang said. “Trade problems will not prevent defense cooperation, but will certainly set the limits of how far both sides can go.”

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