Vietnam has not done enough to safeguard the human rights and religious freedom of its citizens but can hopefully be encouraged to do more. America's strategic interests in Southeast Asia are served by closer diplomatic and military ties with Vietnam. Recent unrest in Indonesia and Chinese activities in the South China Sea are useful reminders that American security interests in Asia could be threatened at any time, and that our military and diplomatic relationships with countries in the region remain valuable. It is my hope that Vietnam will continue to engage overseas while undertaking the economic and political reforms required for stability and prosperity at home. Simplifying investment regulations, privatizing state-owned enterprises, reducing trade barriers, and implementing legal reforms to safeguard private property and uphold individual rights are absolutely necessary.
Political reform is also important.
Some believe that the political status quo is itself destabilizing. No one wants that. Let us hope Vietnam's leaders accept the reasonable premise that only with the support of the Vietnamese people will their rule advance the common interest in a stable, open, prosperous Vietnam.