Post Reports
Decades of trust-building in Vietnam, coming undone by Trump
Apr 30, 2025
Rebecca Tan, Southeast Asia Bureau Chief for The Washington Post, dives deep into the fraught legacies of the Vietnam War and the unraveling of U.S.-Vietnam relations. She recounts the critical ongoing efforts to locate missing soldiers, revealing the emotional toll on families. Tan highlights the rollback of trust-building initiatives under the Trump administration, which cut vital funding for demining and public health. The discussion reflects on both historical scars and the challenges of moving forward in a changing geopolitical landscape.
32:38
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Quick takeaways
- The ongoing threat of unexploded ordnance in Vietnam underscores the long-lasting impact of the war and the dedication of D-miners.
- Shifts in U.S. policy under Trump are jeopardizing decades of trust and cooperation in addressing war legacy issues between the two nations.
Deep dives
Unexploded Ordnance and Local Impact
In Vietnam, unexploded ordnance from the Vietnam War continues to pose a significant threat to communities, with D-miners working tirelessly to neutralize these dangers. During a field operation, a cluster munition was discovered, requiring on-site destruction to ensure public safety due to its indiscriminate nature. The painstaking and hazardous efforts of these D-miners highlight the ongoing work needed to make regions safe, which may take decades to achieve. Local teams collaborate to dismantle these threats, underscoring the persistent legacy of the war's remnants even 50 years after its conclusion.
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