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Daily Mail
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
China and Philippines' war on the high seas: How two countries have rammed each others' ships and blockaded tiny South China Sea islands in territorial battle that threatens to spiral into WW3
Each time China sends its warplanes and navy vessels to encircle Taiwan in alarming war games, the world is forced to confront the chilling prospect of a blockade or even full-blown invasion of the vital island nation. But further south, there is a second conflict brewing between China and another key ally of the United States - the Philippines. Under authoritarian President Xi Jinping, Beijing has continued to expand its reach into the South China Sea's strategically vital and resource-rich waters bordered by several Southeast Asian nations. Each of these countries, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam, all lay claim to different parts of the sea and a litany of small islands, shoals and reefs adrift within it. But China insists it should own virtually the entire sea and its strategic outposts, including swathes of territory within the 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) off the shores of all its island neighbours. On Monday, the Philippines rejected China's claim to Sandy Cay - a group of three sandbars less than 200 kilometres off the Philippine coast - after a Chinese state-owned newspaper last week published images of coast guard officers holding up a Chinese flag there. That prompted the Philippines' coast guard, along with a navy and maritime police team, to land on the sandbars and unfurl the Philippines flag, a move that was in turn harshly condemned and branded 'illegal' by Beijing. But this is just the latest in a long line of disputes which are growing ever more frequent and intense. Now, fears are mounting that a protracted spat could descend into an armed conflict between China and the US-allied Philippines - a scenario which could hasten a regional or even global fallout. At the heart of the tensions between China and the Philippines lies a scattering of rocks, shoals, reefs and atolls across the South China Sea, most notably the Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal, over which both countries assert sovereignty. The Philippines bases its claims on proximity and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), under which most of the contested features lie within its EEZ. China, meanwhile, claims almost the entire sea via its so-called 'nine-dash line', a sweeping boundary drawn on a map in the 1940s that has no legal basis under international law. That illegality was confirmed in 2016, when a Hague-based tribunal ruled overwhelmingly in favour of the Philippines, declaring China's claims invalid. Dr Gregory Poling, Director of the Southeast Asia Programme at the CSIS think tank, said: 'The very existence of the Nine-Dash Line, I think, is an affront to these countries... China is imposing the idea that these waters are disputed on smaller countries, where everybody else gets 200 miles, the Chinese get 1,000 miles.' But instead of pulling back, China has only looked to expand its presence since the ruling, militarising several natural and artificial islands - including Scarborough Shoal - and deploying coast guard ships and naval vessels to patrol the contested waters. As a result, Chinese and Philippine military and civilian vessels have routinely come to blows in the South China Sea as of late. These clashes, several of which have resulted in injuries to crew and damaged vessels amid ramming attacks, the use of water cannons and even lasers, are stoking tensions as the Philippines defies what it views as Beijing's policy of imperialist expansion and disregard for territorial sovereignty. In August, a Philippine coast guard vessel, the BRP Teresa Magbanua, sustained significant damage when it was repeatedly rammed by a Chinese ship close to Sabina Shoal, about 130 kilometres west of the Philippine province of Palawan, which is part of the hotly contested Spratly Islands. The shoal is well within the internationally recognised EEZ of the Philippines. Commodore Jay Tarriela of the Philippine coast guard said the Magbanua dropped its anchor just off the coast of the Shoal and said it would not withdraw from the region 'despite the harassment, bullying activities and escalatory action of the Chinese coast guard'. Video released by the Philippine coast guard appeared to clearly show the Magbanua being rammed by a Chinese coast guard ship, even as Beijing claimed the Philippine vessel had altered its path and pursued a collision course. Close to Sabina Shoal lies the Second Thomas Shoal, where a small Philippine military detachment is stationed. This outpost has become a litmus test of Philippine resolve and Chinese intent as Beijing's ships hassle Philippine vessels conducting supply runs to and from the shoal. In February 2023, the Philippines accused a Chinese coast guard ship of hitting a coast guard boat with a military-grade laser. Manila said the laser temporarily blinded some of its crew in the disputed South China Sea, calling it a 'blatant' violation of Manila's sovereign rights. The Chinese ship also manoeuvred dangerously close, about 450 feet, to block the Philippine patrol vessel BRP Malapascua from approaching Second Thomas Shoal. A Chinese coast guard shoots water cannons at a Philippine boat in the South China sea Then in December of that year, another video shared by the Philippine coast guard showed Chinese ships blasting powerful water cannons at much smaller Philippine vessels off Scarborough Shoal. Scarborough Shoal is 240 kilometres west of the Philippines' main island of Luzon and nearly 900 kilometres from the nearest major Chinese land mass of Hainan, but China in 2012 assumed control of the territory in a blatant land grab. Chinese state television said the country's coast guard had used 'control measures in accordance with the law' against the Philippine vessels that had 'intruded' into waters around the shoal. These incidents, in which Chinese vessels seek to intimidate or attack Philippine vessels without resorting to overt military force, have been characterised as a cornerstone of Beijing's 'grey-zone tactics' to expand its influence in the South China Sea. 'By resorting to an array of grey zone tactics, Beijing aims to progressively eat away at the status quo in the South China Sea while staying under the threshold of crisis,' said Dr Euan Graham, an expert in Indo-Pacific Defence and Strategy at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. 'Through the skilful coordinated use of assets... grey zone tactics have already enabled Beijing to exert effective control over large tracts of the South China Sea... If China succeeds in dominating the South China Sea, it is likely to dominate Southeast Asia at large, as well as gaining strategic leverage over the major maritime economies of Northeast Asia,' he said in a policy paper for the Prospect Foundation. At first glance, the fervent competition over a small collection of reefs, sandbars and uninhabited spits of land adrift in a huge sea may seem unwarranted. But the South China Sea is one of the world's most important trade arteries through which more than $2 trillion in trade flows on an annual basis. It is also believed to contain vast, untapped reserves of oil and natural gas, and the waters surrounding many of the shoals, atolls and reefs are crucial for fishing, an industry that supports millions of livelihoods in the Philippines alone. Establishing a strong military presence and maritime infrastructure at key locations in the South China Sea is therefore a priority for China and its export-based, resource-hungry economy. Control of the sea also allows Beijing to challenge the United States' role as regional security guarantor. America has made a concerted effort to strike security alliances with members of the 'first island chain', a ring of territories running from Japan to the Philippines, to form a natural barrier against Chinese military expansion into the Pacific. The Philippines, along with Taiwan, is a key part of this chain and the US has ramped up joint patrols and military aid to the Philippines while expanding access to Philippine bases under the 2014 Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). Western-aligned allies Japan and Australia have also increased naval cooperation with the Philippines as part of the united front to deter China.
Irish Examiner
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Vietnam celebrates 50 years since war's end with focus on peace and unity
Vietnam has celebrated the 50th anniversary of the end of the war with the United States and the formation of its modern nation with a military parade and a focus on a peaceful future. The fall of Saigon on April 30 1975 marked the end of a Vietnam divided into the communist North and US-allied South, and the country's top official told crowds the past decades had led to ever increasing unity. 'All the Vietnamese are the descendants of Vietnam. They have the rights to live and work, to have freedom, to pursue happiness and love in this country,' said To Lam, the Vietnam Communist Party's general secretary. Vietnam Communist Party general secretary To Lam delivers his speech during the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War in Ho Chi Minh City (Achmad Ibrahim/AP) 'In a spirit of closing the past, respecting differences, aiming for the future, the whole party, the people and the army vow to make Vietnam become a country of peace, unity, prosperity and development,' he added. Thousands camped overnight on the streets of the former South Vietnamese capital, which was renamed Ho Chi Minh City after it fell to North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops, to get the best vantage point for the parade. Many lingered on the streets later in the afternoon and ate picnics while waiting for drone and fireworks shows scheduled for the evening. 'Now it's time for peace,' said spectator Nguyen Thi Hue, a city resident. 'Peace is the dream that everyone in the world wants.' One float carried the Lac bird, Vietnam's emblem, another a portrait of Ho Chi Minh. Chinese, Laotian and Cambodian troops marched behind Vietnamese army formations, including some wearing uniforms similar to those worn by northern Vietnamese troops during the war. Helicopters carrying the national flag and jets flew over the parade near Independence Palace, where a North Vietnamese tank smashed through the gates on the final day of the war. Vietnamese participants gather prior to a parade during the 50th anniversary celebration of the end of the Vietnam War in Ho Chi Minh City (Richard Vogel/AP) Sitting next to Vietnam's leader were Cambodia's former leader Hun Sen and Laotian Communist Party general secretary Thongloun Sisoulith. To Lam said beyond a victory over the US and South Vietnam, the fall of Saigon was a 'glorious landmark' that ended a 30-year fight for independence that began with the fight to oust French colonial troops. He said Vietnam owes its position in the world today to support from the Soviet Union, China and solidarity from Laos and Cambodia, as well as 'progressive' people all over the world including the US, he said. The emphasis on reconciliation and not, like previous years, on military victory reflected how Vietnam was approaching the changing tides of the global economy and geopolitics today, said Nguyen Khac Giang, an analyst at Singapore's ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute. He added that the Vietnam War remains central to how the Communist Party framed its legitimacy, not just as a military triumph but also as a symbol of national unity. But To Lam's comments underlined that the reconciliation remains unfinished. 'The war still defines Vietnam's unity, and its unresolved divides,' Mr Giang said. For Pham Ngoc Son, a veteran who fought for the communists, today there is 'only space for peace and friendship' between the US and Vietnam. Vietnamese troops march during a parade to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War in Ho Chi Minh City (Hau Dinh/AP) 'The war is over a long time ago,' said the 69-year-old who, during the war, served as an army truck driver bringing troops and supplies from the north to the south along the Ho Chi Minh trail – the secret supply route used by North Vietnam. This year also marks the 30-year anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the US. In 2023, Vietnam upgraded its relations with the US to that of a comprehensive strategic partner, the highest diplomatic status it gives to any country and the same level of relations as China and Russia. There are new signs of strain in the relationship with Washington, however, with President Donald Trump's imposition of heavy tariffs and the cancellation of much foreign aid, which has affected war remediation efforts in Vietnam. Vietnamese officials say the relationship with the US is anchored in American efforts to address war legacies such as Agent Orange contamination and unexploded ordnance in the countryside that still threaten lives. The future of those projects is now at risk because of the Trump administration's broad cuts to USAID. Moreover, the export-dependent country is vulnerable in a global economy made fragile amid Mr Trump's tariff plans. Vietnam was hit with reciprocal tariffs of 46%, one of the highest. Vietnamese troops march during a parade to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War in Ho Chi Minh City (Hau Dinh/AP) This puts a 'big question mark' on what the US wants to achieve in Asia, said Huong Le-Thu, of the International Crisis Group think tank. Previously, close ties with Washington have helped Vietnam balance its relations with its much larger and more powerful neighbour China, she said. Vietnam is one of the countries, along with the Philippines, that has been involved in direct confrontations with China over conflicting maritime claims in the South China Sea. Focus on economic and not strategic competition may mean that Vietnam and other countries in South East Asia become less important for the US. 'It really will be shaping up (on) how the new administration sees the strategic picture in the Indo-Pacific and where countries like Vietnam would fit in,' she said. In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce on Tuesday refused to comment on reports that the Trump administration had discouraged diplomats from attending anniversary events. 'I'm not going to discuss what has been suggested or not suggested,' she said. The embassy in Hanoi said US consul general in Ho Chi Minh City Susan Burns had attended the event. Vietnamese dancers perform during a parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War in Ho Chi Minh City (Achmad Ibrahim/AP) US ambassador Marc E Knapper did not attend. About 13,000 people, including troops, militias, veterans and local citizens took part in the parade. The route followed the main boulevard leading to the Independence Palace before branching into city streets and also passed the US consulate. A video of Chinese troops singing the famous song As If Uncle Ho Were With Us On Victory Day during a rehearsal was shared widely on social media. Chinese leader Xi Jinping had visited Vietnam earlier in the month in a bid to present the country as a force for stability in contrast with Mr Trump.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Vietnam celebrates 50 years since war's end with focus on peace and unity
Vietnam has celebrated the 50th anniversary of the end of the war with the United States and the formation of its modern nation with a military parade and a focus on a peaceful future. The fall of Saigon on April 30 1975 marked the end of a Vietnam divided into the communist North and US-allied South, and the country's top official told crowds the past decades had led to ever increasing unity. 'All the Vietnamese are the descendants of Vietnam. They have the rights to live and work, to have freedom, to pursue happiness and love in this country,' said To Lam, the Vietnam Communist Party's general secretary. 'In a spirit of closing the past, respecting differences, aiming for the future, the whole party, the people and the army vow to make Vietnam become a country of peace, unity, prosperity and development,' he added. Thousands camped overnight on the streets of the former South Vietnamese capital, which was renamed Ho Chi Minh City after it fell to North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops, to get the best vantage point for the parade. Many lingered on the streets later in the afternoon and ate picnics while waiting for drone and fireworks shows scheduled for the evening. 'Now it's time for peace,' said spectator Nguyen Thi Hue, a city resident. 'Peace is the dream that everyone in the world wants.' One float carried the Lac bird, Vietnam's emblem, another a portrait of Ho Chi Minh. Chinese, Laotian and Cambodian troops marched behind Vietnamese army formations, including some wearing uniforms similar to those worn by northern Vietnamese troops during the war. Helicopters carrying the national flag and jets flew over the parade near Independence Palace, where a North Vietnamese tank smashed through the gates on the final day of the war. Sitting next to Vietnam's leader were Cambodia's former leader Hun Sen and Laotian Communist Party general secretary Thongloun Sisoulith. To Lam said beyond a victory over the US and South Vietnam, the fall of Saigon was a 'glorious landmark' that ended a 30-year fight for independence that began with the fight to oust French colonial troops. He said Vietnam owes its position in the world today to support from the Soviet Union, China and solidarity from Laos and Cambodia, as well as 'progressive' people all over the world including the US, he said. The emphasis on reconciliation and not, like previous years, on military victory reflected how Vietnam was approaching the changing tides of the global economy and geopolitics today, said Nguyen Khac Giang, an analyst at Singapore's ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute. He added that the Vietnam War remains central to how the Communist Party framed its legitimacy, not just as a military triumph but also as a symbol of national unity. But To Lam's comments underlined that the reconciliation remains unfinished. 'The war still defines Vietnam's unity, and its unresolved divides,' Mr Giang said. For Pham Ngoc Son, a veteran who fought for the communists, today there is 'only space for peace and friendship' between the US and Vietnam. 'The war is over a long time ago,' said the 69-year-old who, during the war, served as an army truck driver bringing troops and supplies from the north to the south along the Ho Chi Minh trail – the secret supply route used by North Vietnam. This year also marks the 30-year anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the US. In 2023, Vietnam upgraded its relations with the US to that of a comprehensive strategic partner, the highest diplomatic status it gives to any country and the same level of relations as China and Russia. There are new signs of strain in the relationship with Washington, however, with President Donald Trump's imposition of heavy tariffs and the cancellation of much foreign aid, which has affected war remediation efforts in Vietnam. Vietnamese officials say the relationship with the US is anchored in American efforts to address war legacies such as Agent Orange contamination and unexploded ordnance in the countryside that still threaten lives. The future of those projects is now at risk because of the Trump administration's broad cuts to USAID. Moreover, the export-dependent country is vulnerable in a global economy made fragile amid Mr Trump's tariff plans. Vietnam was hit with reciprocal tariffs of 46%, one of the highest. This puts a 'big question mark' on what the US wants to achieve in Asia, said Huong Le-Thu, of the International Crisis Group think tank. Previously, close ties with Washington have helped Vietnam balance its relations with its much larger and more powerful neighbour China, she said. Vietnam is one of the countries, along with the Philippines, that has been involved in direct confrontations with China over conflicting maritime claims in the South China Sea. Focus on economic and not strategic competition may mean that Vietnam and other countries in South East Asia become less important for the US. 'It really will be shaping up (on) how the new administration sees the strategic picture in the Indo-Pacific and where countries like Vietnam would fit in,' she said. In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce on Tuesday refused to comment on reports that the Trump administration had discouraged diplomats from attending anniversary events. 'I'm not going to discuss what has been suggested or not suggested,' she said. The embassy in Hanoi said US consul general in Ho Chi Minh City Susan Burns had attended the event. US ambassador Marc E Knapper did not attend. About 13,000 people, including troops, militias, veterans and local citizens took part in the parade. The route followed the main boulevard leading to the Independence Palace before branching into city streets and also passed the US consulate. A video of Chinese troops singing the famous song As If Uncle Ho Were With Us On Victory Day during a rehearsal was shared widely on social media. Chinese leader Xi Jinping had visited Vietnam earlier in the month in a bid to present the country as a force for stability in contrast with Mr Trump.
BreakingNews.ie
30-04-2025
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
Vietnam celebrates 50 years since war's end with focus on peace and unity
Vietnam has celebrated the 50th anniversary of the end of the war with the United States and the formation of its modern nation with a military parade and a focus on a peaceful future. The fall of Saigon on April 30 1975 marked the end of a Vietnam divided into the communist North and US-allied South, and the country's top official told crowds the past decades had led to ever increasing unity. Advertisement 'All the Vietnamese are the descendants of Vietnam. They have the rights to live and work, to have freedom, to pursue happiness and love in this country,' said To Lam, the Vietnam Communist Party's general secretary. Vietnam Communist Party general secretary To Lam delivers his speech during the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War in Ho Chi Minh City (Achmad Ibrahim/AP) 'In a spirit of closing the past, respecting differences, aiming for the future, the whole party, the people and the army vow to make Vietnam become a country of peace, unity, prosperity and development,' he added. Thousands camped overnight on the streets of the former South Vietnamese capital, which was renamed Ho Chi Minh City after it fell to North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops, to get the best vantage point for the parade. Many lingered on the streets later in the afternoon and ate picnics while waiting for drone and fireworks shows scheduled for the evening. Advertisement 'Now it's time for peace,' said spectator Nguyen Thi Hue, a city resident. 'Peace is the dream that everyone in the world wants.' One float carried the Lac bird, Vietnam's emblem, another a portrait of Ho Chi Minh. Chinese, Laotian and Cambodian troops marched behind Vietnamese army formations, including some wearing uniforms similar to those worn by northern Vietnamese troops during the war. Advertisement Helicopters carrying the national flag and jets flew over the parade near Independence Palace, where a North Vietnamese tank smashed through the gates on the final day of the war. Vietnamese participants gather prior to a parade during the 50th anniversary celebration of the end of the Vietnam War in Ho Chi Minh City (Richard Vogel/AP) Sitting next to Vietnam's leader were Cambodia's former leader Hun Sen and Laotian Communist Party general secretary Thongloun Sisoulith. To Lam said beyond a victory over the US and South Vietnam, the fall of Saigon was a 'glorious landmark' that ended a 30-year fight for independence that began with the fight to oust French colonial troops. He said Vietnam owes its position in the world today to support from the Soviet Union, China and solidarity from Laos and Cambodia, as well as 'progressive' people all over the world including the US, he said. Advertisement The emphasis on reconciliation and not, like previous years, on military victory reflected how Vietnam was approaching the changing tides of the global economy and geopolitics today, said Nguyen Khac Giang, an analyst at Singapore's ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute. He added that the Vietnam War remains central to how the Communist Party framed its legitimacy, not just as a military triumph but also as a symbol of national unity. But To Lam's comments underlined that the reconciliation remains unfinished. 'The war still defines Vietnam's unity, and its unresolved divides,' Mr Giang said. Advertisement For Pham Ngoc Son, a veteran who fought for the communists, today there is 'only space for peace and friendship' between the US and Vietnam. Vietnamese troops march during a parade to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War in Ho Chi Minh City (Hau Dinh/AP) 'The war is over a long time ago,' said the 69-year-old who, during the war, served as an army truck driver bringing troops and supplies from the north to the south along the Ho Chi Minh trail – the secret supply route used by North Vietnam. This year also marks the 30-year anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the US. In 2023, Vietnam upgraded its relations with the US to that of a comprehensive strategic partner, the highest diplomatic status it gives to any country and the same level of relations as China and Russia. There are new signs of strain in the relationship with Washington, however, with President Donald Trump's imposition of heavy tariffs and the cancellation of much foreign aid, which has affected war remediation efforts in Vietnam. Vietnamese officials say the relationship with the US is anchored in American efforts to address war legacies such as Agent Orange contamination and unexploded ordnance in the countryside that still threaten lives. The future of those projects is now at risk because of the Trump administration's broad cuts to USAID. Moreover, the export-dependent country is vulnerable in a global economy made fragile amid Mr Trump's tariff plans. Vietnam was hit with reciprocal tariffs of 46%, one of the highest. Vietnamese troops march during a parade to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War in Ho Chi Minh City (Hau Dinh/AP) This puts a 'big question mark' on what the US wants to achieve in Asia, said Huong Le-Thu, of the International Crisis Group think tank. Previously, close ties with Washington have helped Vietnam balance its relations with its much larger and more powerful neighbour China, she said. Vietnam is one of the countries, along with the Philippines, that has been involved in direct confrontations with China over conflicting maritime claims in the South China Sea. Focus on economic and not strategic competition may mean that Vietnam and other countries in South East Asia become less important for the US. 'It really will be shaping up (on) how the new administration sees the strategic picture in the Indo-Pacific and where countries like Vietnam would fit in,' she said. In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce on Tuesday refused to comment on reports that the Trump administration had discouraged diplomats from attending anniversary events. 'I'm not going to discuss what has been suggested or not suggested,' she said. The embassy in Hanoi said US consul general in Ho Chi Minh City Susan Burns had attended the event. Vietnamese dancers perform during a parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War in Ho Chi Minh City (Achmad Ibrahim/AP) US ambassador Marc E Knapper did not attend. About 13,000 people, including troops, militias, veterans and local citizens took part in the parade. The route followed the main boulevard leading to the Independence Palace before branching into city streets and also passed the US consulate. A video of Chinese troops singing the famous song As If Uncle Ho Were With Us On Victory Day during a rehearsal was shared widely on social media. Chinese leader Xi Jinping had visited Vietnam earlier in the month in a bid to present the country as a force for stability in contrast with Mr Trump.
Arab News
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Vietnam celebrates 50 years since war's end with focus on peace and unity
HO CHI MINH: Vietnam on Wednesday celebrated the 50th anniversary of the end of the war with the United States and the formation of its modern nation with a military parade and a focus on a peaceful future. The fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975 marked the end of a Vietnam divided into the communist North and US-allied South, and the country's top official told crowds the past decades had led to ever increasing unity. 'All the Vietnamese are the descendants of Vietnam. They have the rights to live and work, to have freedom to pursue happiness and love in this country,' said To Lam, the Vietnam Communist Party's general secretary. 'In a spirit of closing the past, respecting differences, aiming for the future, the whole party, the people and the army vow to make Vietnam become a country of peace, unity, prosperity and development,' he added. Thousands camped overnight on the streets of the former South Vietnamese capital, which was renamed Ho Chi Minh City after it fell to North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops, to get the best vantage point for the parade. Many lingered on the streets later in the afternoon and ate picnics while waiting for drone and fireworks shows scheduled for the evening. 'Now it's time for peace,' said spectator Nguyen Thi Hue, a city resident. 'Peace is the dream that everyone in the world wants.' One float carried the Lac bird, Vietnam's emblem, another a portrait of Ho Chi Minh. Chinese, Laotian and Cambodian troops marched behind Vietnamese army formations, including some wearing uniforms similar to what was worn by northern Vietnamese troops during the war. Helicopters carrying the national flag and jets flew over the parade near Independence Palace, where a North Vietnamese tank smashed through the gates on the final day of the war. Sitting next to Vietnam's leader were Cambodia's former leader Hun Sen and Laotian Communist Party General Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith. To Lam said beyond a victory over the US and South Vietnam, the fall of Saigon was a 'glorious landmark' that ended a 30-year fight for independence that began with the fight to oust French colonial troops. He said Vietnam owes its position in the world today to support from the Soviet Union, China and solidarity from Laos and Cambodia, as well as 'progressive' people all over the world including the US, he said. Vietnam's changing global approach The emphasis on reconciliation and not, like previous years, on military victory reflected how Vietnam was approaching the changing tides of the global economy and geopolitics today, said Nguyen Khac Giang, an analyst at Singapore's ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute. He added that the Vietnam War remains central to how the Communist Party framed its legitimacy, not just as a military triumph but also as a symbol of national unity. But To Lam's comments underlined that the reconciliation remains unfinished. 'The war still defines Vietnam's unity, and its unresolved divides,' Giang said. For Pham Ngoc Son, a veteran who fought for the communists, today there is 'only space for peace and friendship' between the US and Vietnam. 'The war is over a long time ago,' said the 69-year-old who, during the war, served as an army truck driver bringing troops and supplies from the north to the south along the Ho Chi Minh trail — the secret supply route used by North Vietnam. Passage of time has led to improved relations with US This year also marks the 30-year anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the US In 2023, Vietnam upgraded its relations with the US to that of a comprehensive strategic partner, the highest diplomatic status it gives to any country and the same level of relations as China and Russia. There are new signs of strain in the relationship with Washington, however, with President Donald Trump's imposition of heavy tariffs and the cancelation of much foreign aid, which has affected war remediation efforts in Vietnam. Vietnamese officials say the relationship with the US is anchored in American efforts to address war legacies such as Agent Orange contamination and unexploded ordnance in the countryside that still threaten lives. The future of those projects is now at risk because of the Trump administration's broad cuts to USAID. Moreover, the export-dependent country is vulnerable in a global economy made fragile amid Trump's tariff plans. Vietnam was slammed with reciprocal tariffs of 46 percent, one of the highest. This puts a 'big question mark' on what the US wants to achieve in Asia, said Huong Le-Thu of the International Crisis Group think tank. Previously, close ties with Washington have helped Vietnam balance its relations with its much larger and more powerful neighbor China, she said. Vietnam is one of the countries, along with the Philippines, that has been involved in direct confrontations with China over conflicting maritime claims in the South China Sea. Focus on economic and not strategic competition may mean that Vietnam and other countries in Southeast Asia become less important for the US 'It really will be shaping up (on) how the new administration sees the strategic picture in the Indo-Pacific and where countries like Vietnam would fit in,' she said. In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce on Tuesday refused to comment on reports that the Trump administration had discouraged diplomats from attending anniversary events. 'I'm not going to discuss what has been suggested or not suggested,' she said. The Embassy in Hanoi said US consul general in Ho Chi Minh City Susan Burns had attended the event. US ambassador Marc E. Knapper didn't attend. Who took part in the parade? About 13,000 people, including troops, militias, veterans and local citizens took part in the parade. The route followed the main boulevard leading to the Independence Palace before branching into city streets and passed the US Consulate. A video of Chinese troops singing the iconic song 'As If Uncle Ho Were With Us on Victory Day' during a rehearsal was shared widely on social media. Chinese leader Xi Jinping had visited Vietnam earlier in the month in a bid to present the country as a force for stability in contrast with Trump.
