U.S.-Viet Nam relations continue to prosper despite crackdown on activists

Despite Washington’s harsh rhetoric in response to several court rulings against democracy activists, the United States remains comfortable with its diplomatic ties with the Vietnamese government, The Straits Times reported today. In June, Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet plans to visit North America in a trip that signals warming relations between the two countries.

Expressing displeasure with the ongoing crackdown, the U.S. government issued a statement saying: “Such repression of individuals for their views is anachronistic and out of keeping with Vietnam's desire to prosper, modernize, and take a more prominent role in world affairs.”

As a result of the crackdowns, Triet will not receive some of the amenities associated with state visits. While an Oval Office meeting with President Bush will occur, Triet will not receive a state dinner or the usual stay at the Blair House.