Beyond the Embargo: The Way Ahead for U.S.-Vietnam Strategic Relations
VIEW EVENT DETAILSAsiaConnect Briefing Call with the Hon. David B. Shear, Former U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam and Now Performing the Duties of Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy
President Obama’s May 2016 trip to Vietnam removed one of the last remaining obstacles in the U.S.-Vietnam relationship when the President announced his intention to fully lift the decades-old embargo on lethal weapons sales to Vietnam. Twenty years after formally re-establishing diplomatic ties, the United States and Vietnam now have the opportunity to move forward in crafting a new strategic partnership. As both countries work to build a deeper relationship, the normalization of security relations presents a number of interesting challenges and opportunities. How might enhanced U.S. arms sales to Vietnam shift the delicate strategic balance with Vietnam’s ASEAN neighbors and China? What should we expect from the growing U.S.-Vietnam defense relationship – will it include new joint exercises and operations? What challenges will Vietnam continue to face as it works to manage ongoing human rights concerns and navigate the unfamiliar waters of U.S. arms exports?
ASPI is pleased to present an AsiaConnect briefing call with David B. Shear, former U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, and now performing the duties of the Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.
David B. Shear began performing the duties of Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy on June 12, 2016. Previously Mr. Shear served as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs. Mr. Shear served for 32 years in the Foreign Service, most recently as the United States Ambassador to Vietnam. He has also served in Sapporo, Beijing, Tokyo, and Kuala Lumpur. In Washington, he has served in the Offices of Japanese, Chinese, and Korean Affairs and as the Special Assistant to the Under Secretary for Political Affairs. Mr. Shear is a recipient of the State Department’s Superior Honor Award and the Defense Department’s Civilian Meritorious Service Award for his work in U.S.-Japan defense relations. He graduated from Earlham College and has a Master’s degree in International Affairs from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. He speaks Chinese and Japanese.
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ASPI’s AsiaConnect is a telephone briefing series on pressing issues in Asia and U.S.-Asia relations, made possible through the generous support of Asia Society Trustee Mitch Julis.