The Vietnam
Union of Hanoi, December 4, 2004
Friendship
Organizations
The
Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) and the Vietnam-USA Society
(VUS), in cooperation with the Vietnam Peace and Development Foundation (VPDF),
held a workshop in Hanoi from 22 to 23 November 2004 entitled “Vietnam-US:
Promotion of Understanding Towards the Future.”
Fifty participants attended the workshop
- 30 Vietnamese and 20 Americans, including two Vietnamese Americans from the
U.S. Most of the attendees were
scholars, researchers, social and political activists and representatives from
American NGOs in Vietnam. Though the
subjects and topics of the workshop varied, all participants came with a good
understanding of Vietnam-U.S. relations, and a desire to move the relationship
in a positive direction. Representatives
of the Americas Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam and
the Political Counselor of the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi also attended as
observers.
The
workshop aimed to assess the current reality of Vietnam-U.S. relations, the
level of awareness and the attitudes of American officials and the American
public toward Vietnam, to analyze different elements which affect the
Vietnam-U.S. relationship, and to offer suggestions that could strengthen
mutual understanding and promote positive steps between the two countries. In particular, the workshop focused on ideas
and proposals to expand and improve efforts to mobilize activities for
Vietnam-U.S relations on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the end of the
war in April and the 10th anniversary of the normalization of
diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the U.S. in July 2005.
The
workshop was implemented using the format of an unofficial and free discussion,
designed to create an open and friendly atmosphere. All participants attended in their personal
capacities. All topics were prepared in
detail, and presented clearly.
Discussions were enthusiastic and were conducted in depth, which created
a constructive framework and led to full coverage of all topics.
The main
contents of these discussions and the results are as follows:
1.
Overview of Vietnam-U.S.
Relations
Reviewing
history, the workshop participants agreed that Vietnam never aimed to fight
against U.S interests per se. Vietnam only struggled against covert and
overt military activities that were against Vietnam’s interests. In the relationship between the two
countries, there were many opportunities for the two nations to avoid the
sufferings, pains, and losses of the past – if only had we not missed them. One
of the primary reasons for this is that the U.S did not understand and
correctly assess the situation in Vietnam.
All
participants said that the Vietnam-U.S. relationship has achieved many
important results in recent years and established a basis for future positive
developments, though there have been many challenges.
One of
the strong bases for the development of the relationship with the U.S. is that
Vietnam does not have any opposing interests against the U.S., but only common
interests in cooperation with the U.S. to overcome the effects of the war on
economy, commerce and other fields. The
U.S. also can count on Vietnam as a partner in sustainable development,
independence, openness and integration with regional nations and the world
community. Vietnam also enjoys a
friendly relationship with the U.S. in many fields, including regional security
and anti-terrorism.
Though
the relationship is not an antagonistic one, there are still contradictions and
misunderstandings that affect Vietnam-U.S. relations. The war still has
considerable implications on the societies of both countries. Because of ideological differences, U.S.
society is still heavily preoccupied with communism; the resulting cultural
differences are rather clear: the U.S. is a multi-cultural society based on
rationality and personal rights, while Vietnam’s culture is based on
sentiments, community and social responsibilities of each person. There are also differences of opinion on
human rights, the meaning of democracy, nationalism and religion. American awareness about Vietnam is limited,
and this lack of information, and sometimes negative sources of information,
has led to misunderstandings. Meanwhile,
Vietnam has much information about the U.S., but the Vietnamese people and the
government do not always have a good understanding about operating mechanisms
in U.S. society. The international
status of relations between the two countries is different – Vietnam does not
occupy a high priority in U.S. foreign policy.
The Vietnamese participants emphasized that intervention in Vietnam’s
internal affairs by the U.S. has the biggest impact on Vietnam-U.S.
relations. In general, all participants
agreed that despite contradictions and differences, there is little possibility
of a direct conflict between the two countries.
We can overcome all difficulties if we respond suitably and
appropriately to each development.
In the
coming time, with the results of the recent U.S. election, interest groups that
oppose closer Vietnam-US relations will increase their activities; in addition,
President Bush’s administration will depend to some extent upon satisfying the
demands of these groups, since they largely supported him. However, some participants suggested that
since he will be no longer seeking re-election, President Bush may not need to
devote so much attention and concern to these groups, and may act more freely
if he finds that it will be good for U.S. interests.
The
participants proposed that developing the relationship between the two
countries should be based on expanding collaboration in every field, respecting
each other’s views, and negotiating issues thoughtfully. To do that successfully, it will be necessary
to actively promote cooperative relations and to positively influence the
knowledge and attitudes of U.S. society regarding Vietnam.
The workshop attendees made some specific
suggestions for Vietnam, including the following:
-
The Vietnamese government
needs to quickly train officials in all ministries and departments to have
enough knowledge and ability to work with American partners; and to organize
intensive research on America to make effective plans in the relationship with
the U.S.
-
The Vietnamese government
should find ways to enhance Vietnam’s value to the U.S. and to diminish U.S.
concerns by expanding cooperation which do not harm Vietnam’s interests, such
as promoting cooperation on the MIA issue, fully implementing the BTA,
developing cooperation on economy, investment, commerce, tourism, airline
travel, education, anti-terrorism efforts and regional security, and
non-traditional and trans-national security issues.
-
Vietnam needs to actively
convey a positive image to the American public, using U.S. media and making,
soon, a professional lobbying effort in the U.S.
-
Vietnam needs to present
suitable messages and policies, which can effectively create a conciliatory
atmosphere on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the end of the war.
-
Vietnam needs to strengthen
people-to-people exchanges and promote Vietnam’s culture through a dialogue
between politicians, researchers, and grassroots organizations of both countries.
2.
Implications of the Vietnam War on
Vietnam-U.S. Relations
American participants said the “Vietnam
syndrome” has had a great effect on American society and the Vietnam-U.S
relationship over the years. Complex
attitudes following the U.S.’ defeat in the war, even hostile attitudes toward
Vietnam, still exist among a large group of Americans. There was also suggestion that the war
syndrome still exists even in Vietnamese society. It causes gaps in perception and has an
impact on unbiased attitudes and understanding between people of the two
countries. However, it is the war that makes the relationship between both
countries more special, perhaps unique in the world. Active cooperation by Vietnam on the MIA
issue has contributed to a positive impact on the relationship.
The workshop concluded that this
anniversary would be a chance for Vietnam to garner international attention and
concern. If Vietnam presents suitable
policy messages and arranges appropriate commemorative activities, the country
can attract an international focus as well as create a conciliatory theme that
will strengthen support from the American public, which would be very useful to
Vietnam and Vietnam-U.S relations.
There were opinions expressed that
Vietnam has not made the American public clearly understand the losses they
suffered in the war. Within U.S politics
and culture, it is normal for people to raise their voices if their consciences
are aroused. If the consequences of the
war to the Vietnamese people are made clear enough (not in an accusatory
manner) to Americans, people can be awakened, their sympathies raised, U.S.
responsibilities accepted, and increasing support to overcome the consequences
of the war can be forthcoming. This would be very helpful to Vietnam-U.S
relations.
Participants suggested that the
Vietnamese side consider some ideas for commemoration of the 30th anniversary
of the end of the war, as follows:
-
Focus on cooperation and
emphasize the friendly and positive attitude of the Vietnamese toward
humanitarian efforts for the U.S. side to deal with the effects of the war.
-
In relations with U.S.
partners, Vietnam should use the term “commemorate the end of the war” rather
than “celebrate the 30th anniversary of the victory over the US” to make clear
that the end of the war is the victory for both countries – peace – which is a
basic interest of the people of both countries.
-
In policies, activities,
and messages, promote the conciliatory theme, which conveys the spirit of the
Vietnamese phrase, “Put the past behind and look forward to the future”.
-
Promote public information
about the impacts of the war on Vietnam and its recovery, the positive changes
having been occurring in Vietnam since the end of the war.
-
Continue inviting American
veteran delegations and their friends and families, former members of the anti-
war movement, academic researchers, students and other young people, to visit
Vietnam and participate in activities here.
-
Continue organizing
delegations of Vietnamese veterans, Agent Orange victims, religious
dignitaries, researchers, representatives of grassroots organizations, and
Vietnamese artistic delegations to undertake exchanges, meetings and calling
for friendship, understanding, and support of all walks of life in American
society.
3.
Vietnam’s Image in the Eyes
of the U.S. Public
American participants said that Vietnam
has not been a subject of concern for a majority of the American public because
the U.S. media has offered very little coverage and has had limited information
about Vietnam – and, if there has been coverage at all, much of it has been
inaccurate or negative. Vietnam has not
actively and positively introduced the nation’s image in the U.S. So, a majority of the American people still
thinks of Vietnam as only a country of war, and they still harbor
misperceptions based on the Cold War thinking about communism. A small but vocal anti-Vietnam group of
American portrays distorted views of Vietnam becoming “worse” day by day.
However, a public survey carried out by
Bradley O’Leary in association with Zogby International recently showed that a
majority of American people would change their attitudes regarding Vietnam if
they can get more positive information about Vietnam.
The American participants judged that
although the American media has been somewhat biased, we could work to actively
reach out to them and facilitate a spread of positive information about Vietnam
and improve the image of the country in the eyes of American public,
concentrating on the mutual concerns of the two countries, convergent or
similar opinions on both sides, and specialized fields of interest. History shows that both Vietnamese and
American media influenced American attitudes about the Vietnam War, and was a
major factor strengthening anti-war sentiment in the U.S. So Vietnam should employ policies to attract
the attention of the American media and work with them.
Participants suggested that Vietnam need
to broadly disseminate and popularize positive images to the U.S. public, in
which the following points should be emphasized:
-
Vietnam is a country with
expanding development, social and political stability, public safety and
national security, where everyone has improving opportunities to enrich
oneself. Vietnam should emphasize its
economic development, changes toward market mechanism, successful young people,
and successful American enterprises in Vietnam, among other positive factors.
-
Vietnam is an open and
friendly society. It is necessary for
Vietnam to introduce the successful integration of Vietnam to the rest of the
world through the changes in social life in Vietnam.
-
Vietnam is a country with
many beautiful landscapes and a diversified culture. (One idea expressed is that, after continuing
improvements in diplomatic and economic relations, Vietnam also needs to expand
cultural relations and launch a campaign to popularize Vietnam’s culture to the
American public).
-
Vietnam is a country, which
is constantly renewing and reforming its democratic in progressive
directions. It needs to introduce the
social achievements, religious improvements, the significant role of women in
society and leadership in Vietnam.
Regarding specific solutions,
participants offered these suggestions:
-
Vietnam needs to encourage
and train officials and staff to a higher level of knowledge and ability about
the characteristics of U.S. media and the psychology of the U.S. public to
undertake effective public information activities. Vietnam should also
encourage leaders at all levels to improve their contacts and skills to work
effectively and credibly with American and other Western media organizations.
-
Vietnam should actively
create systematic and diversified information products suitable to specific
topics and fields of interest, and gradually introduce and enhance Vietnam’s
image. Vietnam needs to pay close
attention to non-news media, such as film, literature, art, etc. Vietnam also needs to construct
English-language websites, with adequate investment of funds and efforts,
present and update information accurately to better serve public information
work.
-
Vietnam needs to have
strategies to attract American media, especially those specialized in tourism,
culture, sports, economics, commerce, and other publications, which are not
political but have a large audience. Vietnam should attract American film and
television producers to create programs not related to the war, but to
introduce the reality of Vietnam today.
-
Vietnam needs to coordinate
and disseminate current, accurate, and updated information from Vietnam
government sources related to all important events. Slow or incomplete information will damage
confidence and will not help Vietnam’s image.
-
Vietnam should have a
professional information and public relations agency in the U.S. to work with
the local and national media, to explain developments in a timely manner, to
provide credible information, and to lobby the American public in the U.S.
-
Vietnam should promote
cultural exchanges among researchers, religions institutions and leaders, and
representatives of people-to-people organizations in the two countries, and
encourage more American investment and tourism to Vietnam.
4.
Human Rights Issues and
Vietnam-U.S. Relations
The U.S. participants said that human
rights, freedom and democracy are core and traditional issues in the U.S. value
system. Nowadays, these issues have become a popular trend in the world and
will continue to exert influence on relations between the U.S., Western nations
and countries throughout the world, including Vietnam. For these reasons, Vietnam needs to
understand this trend and develop long-term and suitable responses to these
issues.
However, workshop participants agreed
that human rights issues are often politicized and abused in international
affairs. The actions, timing, and the
level of attention of Western countries towards human rights issues depends on
perceived national interests, the nature of bilateral relations, and on the
priorities as well as the lobbying skills and influences on the public of
various sides. For example, human rights
issues in China are probably more complicated than in Vietnam, but because of
U.S. and other Western interests and the lobbying successes of China, these
issues have not been a major obstacle in the last few years.
In the Vietnam-U.S. relationship, human
rights issues will continue to be a factor for the foreseeable future. Participants recognized that Vietnam’s human
rights issues are politicized in the U.S. and are sometimes abused by hostile
groups to attack, isolate and interfere in Vietnam’s internal affairs, yet
Vietnam has not come up with effective responses and solutions. In this
presidential term, opposition groups are likely to increase their attacks on
Vietnam, using the human rights issue, and try to find ways to link the issue
to economic relations. However, Vietnam
can limit and diminish the impact of this issue on Vietnam-U.S. relations if
Vietnam has appropriate measures.
Workshop participants suggested some
useful responses for Vietnam, including the following:
-
Undertake proactive
measures to create an image of human rights improvements. Vietnam should consider carefully any measure
that may be interpreted as human rights abuses.
-
Actively disseminate
information about the decision-making process in Vietnam and explain how
citizens are involved at the grassroots level and how the public is
informed. Avoid vacuum of information,
confusing information, and delays in circulating correct information.
-
Actively help the public in
other countries clearly understand the achievements and developments of Vietnam
in every field, and introduce the development, expansion, and cooperation
between religions and the government.
-
Encourage American business
community in Vietnam to support and promote understanding of Vietnam, since
American companies have a significant influence on the U.S. Congress and the
administration.
-
Launch a professional
lobbying, public relations team or firm to protect and promote Vietnam’s
interests, especially in sensitive areas such as human rights. Appropriately approach and cooperate with
NGOs, which have influence in the human rights field.
-
Open appropriate channels
of dialogue about the human rights issue in Vietnam, to ease pressure from
opposing interests and to promote mutual understanding. Such dialogue should involve a forum for
researchers and representatives of people-to-people organisations of the two
countries.
-
Promote study of human
rights issues, and train experts in this field to mobilize, inform and explain
misunderstandings, misconceptions, and inaccuracies that cause confusion and
mistrust.
5.
Vietnamese Community in the
U.S. and Vietnam-U.S. Relations
Some participants at the workshop
expressed the opinion that the Vietnamese community in the U.S., although
limited in size and lacking unified voice, has important influence on
Vietnam-U.S. relations. There is
division in the Vietnamese community in the U.S. Hostile groups always attempt to find fault
with Vietnam. Another group of
Vietnamese Americans is seeking ways to help Vietnam. The rest of the community has no set
opinions, but still maintaining complex feelings and they can be influenced by
the extreme groups. The majority of young Vietnamese American lack
understanding about Vietnam.
Vietnamese American participants in the
workshop said that Vietnamese Americans in the U.S. have encountered many
difficulties and discrimination in their life.
If the Vietnamese government has suitable policies to engage and protect
the interests of Vietnamese Americans, the government can win confidence and
support from a large number of Vietnamese Americans in the U.S.
To create a breakthrough in the awareness
and attitudes of Vietnamese Americans in the U.S., workshop participants
suggested the following solutions:
-
The Vietnamese government
should take proactive steps to promote tolerance, reconciliation to reduce
hostility and complex feelings among a majority of Vietnamese Americans.
-
The government needs to
send appropriate messages and themes to show concern for and protection of
Vietnamese American’s interests in the U.S.
Vietnam also should consider the possibility of special regulations and
procedures for Vietnamese Americans and try to facilitate the interests of this
community in the U.S.
-
Vietnamese Americans should
be encouraged to engage in economic, commercial, tourism, and consulting
activities in the U.S., so that they can more effectively contribute to the
development of Vietnam-US relations.
-
Vietnam should further
provide information, introduce Vietnamese culture and art to the U.S. and
support Vietnamese language study for the Vietnamese community in the U.S. The government should assist in construction
of nursing homes for Vietnamese American elderly, to promote relations with the
homeland and attract the next generation to come back to Vietnam.
-
The government should
further facilitate the return of Vietnamese Americans to Vietnam for tourism,
personal and professional exchanges, and home visits, especially of the younger
generations so that they can have better knowledge about Vietnam.
6. Lobbying
in Vietnam-U.S Relations
American participants affirmed that
lobbying is an important and necessary practical tool for influencing U.S.
policy. Most countries in the world have
contracts with American lobbying firms; only a few countries, including Laos
and Vietnam, have not yet adopted such professional assistance.
It
is not easy to choose the right lobbying or public relations firms, negotiate
with them and meet their expectations and requirements. But it is necessary and can be done
successfully. As a matter of fact,
lobbying in the U.S. has brought many benefits for the countries doing so.
While a small hostile group can spend
just a small amount of money for effectively lobbying against Vietnam’s
interests in the U.S., Vietnam has not responded to this challenge and has
relied on other solutions, after the damage is already done, which are costly
and ineffective.
There are two forms of lobbying: experienced and skilled teams of
professionals or firms; and unofficial lobbying using informal connections from
friends and institutions.
The choice in hiring a professional
lobbying company can depend on each situation on a case-by-case basis, and
might involve a short-term or a long-term contract as needed. The arrangement could be handled through the
Government or a ministry, an office, a union, an association, the Vietnamese
Embassy in the U.S., or specific enterprises, which would sign a contract with
a lobbying firm.
Unofficial or informal lobbying might
focus on American companies, which contributed to election campaigns,
journalism and media, and public opinion of the voters in the representative
districts of each member of Congress.
American participants suggested that
Vietnam implement lobbying activities very soon, otherwise it could continue to
meet difficulties in the cooperative relationship with the U.S. Both of the two following ways were
recommended:
-
Hire a professional
lobbying firm to officially represent Vietnam’s interests in the U.S. If this cannot be arranged under the direct
capacity of the State, it could be done through a social organization such as a
Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industries or its affiliates. Initial steps should be to sign contracts based
on specific needs of each situation, which would provide an opportunity to
evaluate the U.S. partners and accumulate experience. After that, Vietnam could consider a
longer-term contract within a larger context.
-
In addition, Vietnam should
promote other unofficial lobbying activities in the U.S., such as sending
delegations to the U.S. to contact individuals, organizations, and government
officials, to mobilize public opinion in the U.S. Vietnam also should consider establishing one
permanent group in the U.S. that would cooperate with American NGOs who are
implementing programs, projects, and activities on behalf of Vietnam.