Forget “Made in China.” There’s a much better alternative that puts America first.

Born in 1975, the same year the Vietnam War ended, I witnessed Vietnam’s profound struggles under socialism and its remarkable transition toward a market economy.

My father, who served alongside U.S. forces during the war, brought our family to the United States, where we became a model immigrant family, striving to achieve the American dream.

Reflecting on Vietnam’s challenges—economic scarcity, limited opportunities, and a slow but steady opening to the global stage—I often pondered what it would take to foster mutual benefits between our two nations rather than perpetuating the usual outsourcing of American jobs.

Vietnam’s resilience and adaptability have positioned it as one of the region’s most promising technological innovation and manufacturing growth destinations.

That transformation signals a powerful truth: Nations committed to change can achieve mutual benefit. Today, Vietnam is ready for deeper trust, engagement, and partnership with the United States, particularly under the “America First” agenda.

Nha Trang: Strategic Asset in South China Sea

Vietnam’s deep-water port at Nha Trang, built during the Vietnam War, is a key strategic asset, ideally suited for docking submarines, aircraft carriers, and other naval vessels.

Supporting nearly 60% of global maritime trade through the South China Sea, the port is a vital hub for refueling and repairs, but requires significant retrofitting to meet modern demands.

Investing in Nha Trang offers the U.S. a dual benefit: strengthening its strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific and positioning Vietnam as a dependable partner in maintaining maritime freedom.

Amid China’s construction of artificial islands and regional intimidation, enhancing Nha Trang’s infrastructure serves as a critical counterweight, reinforcing Vietnam’s role as a regional stabilizer while securing U.S. economic and security objectives.

Recent collaborations, including U.S. Navy resupply missions, provide a foundation to deepen these ties, making Vietnam an essential ally in ensuring freedom of navigation and stability in a volatile region.

Vietnam’s Economic Rise Amid US-China Trade Shifts

China’s aggressive trade policies and tariffs have accelerated Vietnam’s rise as a manufacturing powerhouse.

Companies seeking to reduce their reliance on China are turning to Vietnam for its skilled workforce, competitive labor costs, and pro-business reforms. This shift presents a unique opportunity for the U.S.

The U.S. can leverage this momentum by supporting Vietnam’s economic growth to attract Vietnamese investments into American markets. Many Vietnamese businesses are eager to expand internationally, and fostering bilateral investment creates jobs for Americans while strengthening economic ties.

A prime example of this dynamic is VinFast, the Vietnamese automaker creating jobs in the U.S. through its electric vehicle expansion.

Vietnam’s Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) membership further underscores its commitment to high-standard trade practices. This alignment offers a blueprint for more profound bilateral agreements that reduce U.S. trade deficits and foster resilient supply chains.

Strengthening Defense Ties, Regional Stability

On the security front, Vietnam’s ongoing military modernization aligns with U.S. objectives for a stable Indo-Pacific. Enhanced defense cooperation through joint exercises, arms sales, and intelligence-sharing bolsters Vietnam’s ability to counter regional threats while reinforcing a rules-based maritime order.

On the security front, Vietnam’s ongoing military modernization aligns with U.S. objectives for a stable Indo-Pacific. Enhanced defense cooperation through joint exercises, arms sales, and intelligence-sharing bolsters Vietnam’s ability to counter regional threats while reinforcing a rules-based maritime order.

With $3.4 trillion in annual trade passing through the South China Sea, Vietnam’s role in safeguarding international law and freedom of navigation cannot be overstated. Partnering with Vietnam ensures that the U.S. remains a key player in maintaining regional stability.

The Trump administration’s pragmatic approach—emphasizing burden-sharing among allies—resonates with Vietnam’s independent yet cooperative stance. The U.S. can counterbalance China’s aggressive expansion and protect shared interests in this critical region by supporting Vietnam’s defense capabilities.

Cultural Connection, Diplomatic Advantage

President Donald Trump’s popularity in Vietnam provides a unique diplomatic advantage. The goodwill he commands, combined with the symbolic importance of the upcoming 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, creates an unprecedented moment for reconciliation and partnership.

Appointing a culturally connected U.S. diplomat to Vietnam would signal a deep commitment to mutual respect and trust. Such leadership is vital for navigating the complexities of U.S.-Vietnam relations and ensuring alignment on economic, security, and geopolitical goals.

Shared Vision for Prosperity

The U.S. can capitalize on its strategic comprehensive partnership with Vietnam as the nation emerges as a key manufacturing hub amid the global shift away from reliance on China.

Vietnam’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and pro-business environment make it a prime destination for nearshoring and friend-shoring, with companies such as Intel, Samsung, and Nvidia investing billions.

As a cornerstone of the “China+1″ strategy, Vietnam offers opportunities to diversify supply chains, reduce risks, and drive growth.

Strengthening this partnership is a timely move to secure shared prosperity and stability in a complex global landscape.

Allison Huynh, a refugee as a child from Vietnam, is an entrepreneur and venture capitalist.

Reprinted with Permission from The Daily Signal – By Allison Huynh

The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of AMAC or AMAC Action.