U.S. Aircraft Carrier And Guided Missile Cruisers Make Rare Port Call In Vietnam
In a significant move highlighting the intensifying competition for influence in Southeast Asia between the United States and China, a US aircraft carrier and guided missile cruisers make rare port call in Vietnam.
Author:Elisa MuellerReviewer:Tyreece BauerJun 27, 202311.3K Shares206K Views
Da Nang, Vietnam - In a significant move highlighting the intensifying competition for influence in Southeast Asia between the United States and China, a US aircraft carrier and guided missile cruisers make rare port call in Vietnam.
The USS Ronald Reagan, accompanied by the USS Antietam and USS Robert Smalls, docked in Da Nang, underscoring Washington's efforts to strengthen economic and military ties in the Indo-Pacific region.
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China's Maritime Claims And Friction With Vietnam
As Vietnam's largest trading partner, China's expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea have led to growing tensions not only with Vietnam but also with Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
The United States aims to bolster relationships with these countries amid concerns about China's assertiveness in the region.
The port call by the aircraft carrier marks only the third such visit since the restoration of diplomatic relations after the Vietnam War.
It follows recent visits by top U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Trade Representative Katherine Tai, and USAID Administrator Samantha Power.
The presence of the USS Ronald Reagan signifies the broader trend of strengthening defense ties and overall relations between the two nations.
Cultural Exchanges And Community Relations
During their visit, officers and sailors from the USS Ronald Reagan will engage in various community relations events, cultural exchanges, and sports activities with local counterparts.
This interaction aims to foster goodwill and enhance mutual understanding between the American sailors and the Vietnamese community.
Vietnam finds itself delicately managing its relationship with both China and the United States. While seeking to maintain ties with its powerful neighbor, Vietnam is also leveraging its traditional rivalry with China to expand cooperation with the United States.
“„Though aircraft carrier visits often spark media attention because of their highly visible nature, the broader question is how this will play into the development of ties, including Washington’s quest to upgrade relations.- Prashanth Parameswaran, a fellow with the Wilson Center’s Asia Program
“„An overly narrow focus on carrier visits can distract from the broader trend of the more comprehensive development of U.S.-Vietnam defense ties and relations more generally.- Prashanth Parameswaran, a fellow with the Wilson Center’s Asia Program
Pro-U.S. sentiment in Vietnam remains high, providing an opportunity for Washington to further deepen its influence in the region.
In addition to the U.S. port call, Japan, a staunch U.S. ally, recently made its own visit to Vietnam with its largest destroyer, Izumo.
The presence of both American and Japanese naval assets underscores the shared strategic interests of the two countries and their commitment to maintaining stability in the South China Sea.
Future Plans And Implications
The USS Ronald Reagan, currently the only forward-deployed American aircraft carrier based in Yokosuka, Japan, is expected to be replaced next year by the USS George Washington.
This transition demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the United States to maintaining a strong military presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
The visit of the USS Ronald Reagan and the guided missile cruisers to Vietnam serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play as major powers compete for influence in Southeast Asia.
While the aircraft carrier visit garners attention, the broader trend of deepening U.S.-Vietnam defense ties remains a significant factor in the evolving regional landscape.
Final Words
The rare port call of a U.S. aircraft carrier and guided missile cruisers in Vietnam highlights the increasing rivalry between the United States and China for influence in Southeast Asia.
As tensions rise over China's maritime claims, the United States aims to strengthen its economic and military ties in the region.
The visit underscores the strategic importance of U.S.-Vietnam relations and the efforts to balance regional dynamics.
With Japan also making a recent port call, the presence of allied naval assets signals a commitment to stability in the South China Sea.
As the visit concludes, it reinforces the ongoing commitment of the United States to maintain a strong presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Elisa Mueller
Author
Elisa Mueller, a Kansas City native, grew up surrounded by the wonders of books and movies, inspired by her parents' passion for education and film.
She earned bachelor's degrees in English and Journalism from the University of Kansas before moving to New York City, where she spent a decade at Entertainment Weekly, visiting film sets worldwide.
With over 8 years in the entertainment industry, Elisa is a seasoned journalist and media analyst, holding a degree in Journalism from NYU. Her insightful critiques have been featured in prestigious publications, cementing her reputation for accuracy and depth.
Outside of work, she enjoys attending film festivals, painting, writing fiction, and studying numerology.
Tyreece Bauer
Reviewer
A trendsetter in the world of digital nomad living, Tyreece Bauer excels in Travel and Cybersecurity. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and is a certified Cybersecurity professional.
As a Digital Nomad, he combines his passion for exploring new destinations with his expertise in ensuring digital security on the go. Tyreece's background includes extensive experience in travel technology, data privacy, and risk management in the travel industry.
He is known for his innovative approach to securing digital systems and protecting sensitive information for travelers and travel companies alike. Tyreece's expertise in cybersecurity for mobile apps, IoT devices, and remote work environments makes him a trusted advisor in the digital nomad community.
Tyreece enjoys documenting his adventures, sharing insights on staying secure while traveling and contributing to the digital nomad lifestyle community.
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