America’s Buddy Vietnam
by tdaxp ~ May 5th, 2005
“Vietnam leader announces plan for visit to U.S.,” Associated Press, 5 May 2005, http://www.columbiatribune.com/2005/May/20050505News016.asp.
“Give and take: Vietnam urges sweet deal on summit and trade,” by Craig Skehan, Sydney Morning Herald, 6 May 2005, http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Give-and-take-Vietnam-urges-sweet-deal-on-summit-and-trade/2005/05/05/1115092629184.html?oneclick=true (from Dawn’s Early Light).
Vietnam helps Australia into ASEAN (the Association of South East Asian Nations)
A former enemy, the communist government of Vietnam, has pledged to press for Australia to be admitted to the East Asia summit.
Vietnam’s Prime Minister, Phan Van Khai, gave the undertaking yesterday after meeting the Prime Minister, John Howard, at Parliament House in Canberra.
But it gets better. Vietnam wants Australia to be in without Australia agreeing to not interfer with its neighbors. In other words, Hanoi wants Canberra in ASEAN to open the door to Australian peacekeepers in ASEAN states. Vietnam encouraging Australia to shrink the Gap!
Mr Khai said Australia should not be forced to sign the regional non-intervention treaty in order to be invited. The summit is intended to link the Association of South-East Asian Nations with other countries – including China, Korea, Japan and India. Mr Howard has criticised the treaty and has said Australia will not sign it.
American Allies, and Mutual Friends, Australia and Vietnam
… while Vietnam and the United States exchange VIPs
Vietnam’s prime minister announced today that he plans to become the country’s highest-ranking leader to visit the United States since the Vietnam War ended 30 years ago.
…
Khai’s comments came a day before U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick was expected to visit Vietnam to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the former foes.
Just another day of news about our friend, ally, and buddy Vietnam
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