Presentation "The Future of Vietnam - US Relations"

Mr. Brett Blackshaw emphasized that change is inevitable in any transition of power and we need to accept those changes. Regarding the US-Asia Pacific relationship, including relations with ASEAN and Vietnam, Mr. Brett Blackshaw affirmed that this is still one of the essential relationships with the national interests of the United States when the new administration takes office. Regarding the United States and Vietnam, Mr. Brett Blackshaw expressed optimism in the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Over the past 20 years, the Vietnam-US relationship has made much progress. In terms of economy, the Vietnam-US trade turnover reached over 41.43 billion USD, an increase of 187 times compared to 1994. The United States is still Vietnam's largest export market. In terms of education, the United States and Vietnam continue to maintain close ties in student exchange. In 2016, there were 21,403 Vietnamese students studying in the United States, making Vietnam the 6th largest country in terms of the number of international students in the United States. In May 2016, the Fulbright University of the United States was established in Vietnam, contributing to spreading the philosophy and style of American education in our country. In terms of diplomacy, Vietnam-US relations have also made much progress. 20 years ago, the effects of war were still very heavy and significantly hindered bilateral relations between the two countries.

Mr. Brett Blackshaw shares about the achievements in Vietnam-US bilateral relations over the past 20 years

Today, the United States is working with Vietnam to strengthen ASEAN unity and solidarity, contributing to maintaining security and peacefully resolving disputes in the East Sea, as well as resolving tensions on the Korean peninsula... Regarding security, 20 years ago, the Vietnam-US relationship began with the process of searching for missing American soldiers in Vietnam; in return, the United States helped Vietnam clear mines left over from the war and minimize the impact of Agent Orange-dioxin. Today, the US military helps train Vietnamese soldiers in search and rescue operations, peacekeeping... Regarding politics, Vietnam and the United States officially upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive partnership in 2013. In July 2015, during an official visit to the United States, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and US leaders issued a Joint Vision Statement. In May 2016, incumbent President Barack Obama paid an official visit to Vietnam, which according to Mr. Brett Blackshaw was one of the most successful visits of his presidency. In short, he expressed his confidence in the future of Vietnam-US relations as well as the path of international integration, strengthening cooperation with the United States while maintaining Vietnam's independent position. The policies and actions of the administration of President-elect Donald Trump will continue the foundations of the 20-year bilateral relationship, although with certain changes.

Overview of the seminar

Mr. Brett Blackshaw's presentation received questions and comments from staff and students of the Faculty of International Studies on issues such as the consequences of the Donald Trump administration's decision to withdraw from the TPP on Vietnam-US trade relations, the importance of the East Sea issue in President-elect Donald Trump's policy, the solutions that the new government will propose to the issue of climate change, new barriers in Vietnam-US bilateral relations, the US's decision to lift the embargo on lethal weapons to Vietnam, the impact of the China factor on Vietnam-US relations, etc.

Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh (Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities) presented a souvenir to Mr. Brett Blackshaw

Mr. Brett Blackshaw has been Political Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam since September 2015 for a three-year term. He leads a 16-member task force that reports, analyzes, and advocates on political issues, including promoting human rights and the rule of law, expanding cooperation on maritime security, and regional concerns, including the South China Sea. He helped launch the Lower Mekong Initiative, an annual meeting between the U.S. Secretary of State and his counterparts from Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia on water security, health, and development issues.