Vietnamese online media leaders’ and citizens’ perspectives on Vietnam-US relations

Abstract

After more than 26 years since the normalization of Vietnam-US relations, cooperation in all fields, including the most sensitive ones, such as military, security, and politics, has significantly advanced. Moreover, the political beliefs of the people and governments of the two nations have at least partially converged. Therefore, it is time for Vietnam to consider the United States’ proposal to elevate their relationship from a comprehensive partnership (2013) to a strategic one. Using qualitative and quantitative methodologies through content analysis, we first focus on particular areas of cooperation between the two countries, especially in development, and clarify the policies and desires to deepen collaboration and relations from both sides. The paper then evaluates Vietnamese public opinion regarding Vietnam-US relations by analyzing online articles in Vietnam. However, it is noteworthy that the announcement made on September 10, 2023, by the respective top leaders of the United States, President Joe Biden, and the Communist Party of Vietnam, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, regarding the elevation of Vietnam-US relations to the utmost level of comprehensive strategic partnership, bypassing the intermediate stage of a strategic partner, has indeed surpassed the anticipations of the Vietnamese populace. Contrarily, this phenomenon can be considered commonplace when examining the escalating dynamics of support from political leaders and the general populace toward Vietnam-US relations.