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Letters | A strong Vietnam-US partnership cannot neglect human rights
Reader discuss the need for democratisation in Vietnam, and China’s support of Africa
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Vietnamese President and Communist Party leader To Lam’s speech at the Asia Society in New York on September 22 revealed a critical misunderstanding of the values cherished by the United States and its people.
While Lam emphasised Vietnam’s evolving partnership with the US, he neglected core disagreements over values like human rights, freedom and democracy. These aren’t mere policy differences; they’re the bedrock of civilised society upheld by the US and other democracies globally.
In praising the progress of Vietnam-US relations, Lam appeared detached from the significance of the freedoms and civil rights that Western democracies hold dear. Human rights cannot be bargained away for economic or trade benefits. These values are foundational for long-term stability and prosperity.
If Vietnam continues to evade protecting these rights, it risks alienating the international community, regardless of trade ties.
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What the world, particularly the US, seeks from Vietnam are concrete actions, not vague promises, or historical excuses.
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