[Williams]

Bottom line: The USA wants Vietnam as counterweight to China.

[Seydlitz]

Nothing builds mutual respect like a war against each other. Maybe it's time to go to war with France?

[spikeytx86]

I have the feeling this was a Nixon to china moment. As much as I hate the S.O.B.'s I cant think of a better check to Chinese expansion in south east Asia then Vietnam.

Another the enemy of my enemy is my friend deal I suppose.

[The Lion Roars]

vietnam is the ideal counter weight to china. india is too weak a nation to stand up to the chicoms and the vast majority of japanese are still pacifist.

good move by rumsfeld. as usual

[JohnnyZ]

Seems to me that VN has been making steady efforts to play nice and ease into the real world.

[kb2614]

Ancient animosites never go away. Political comradery doesn't overcome that. Vietnam is nervous by the saber rattling being done in Beijing, hence the change of tone between the US and Vietnam.

Interestin' times we live in, eh?? :-)

[BIGLOOK]

MI ping

Spratly Islands incentive?

[CyberAnt]

Geeeeee .. I thought McCain and Kerry took care of the MIA issue a long time ago ..?? NO ..?? Could this be why they are so palsy-walsy ..?? Hmmmm?? Kinda makes you wonder.