US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Hands Over Long-Lost Vietnam War Artifacts to Hanoi

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's Visit to Vietnam Marks a New Era in Bilateral Relations In a significant move, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth handed over a leather box, a belt, and a small knife - wartime artifacts taken by US soldiers during the Vietnam War - to Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang during a meeting in Hanoi on Sunday, November 2, 2025. This gesture is part of broader reconciliation efforts between the two countries, with similar relics including letters, identification tags, and photographs being handed back to the US in recent years. The financial details of the artifacts' return are not specified, but the move is seen as a significant step in strengthening the US-Vietnam defense partnership. The partnership, which was established in 2016, has seen significant growth in recent years, with bilateral trade between the two countries reaching $90 billion in 2024, up from $50 billion in 2016. The US has also become Vietnam's largest export market, accounting for over 20% of the country's total exports. The market impact of Hegseth's visit and the return of the artifacts is significant, as it marks a new era in bilateral relations between the two countries. The US-Vietnam defense partnership is seen as a key component of the US's Indo-Pacific strategy, which aims to promote stability and security in the region. The partnership has also been seen as a way for the US to counterbalance China's growing influence in the region. The company/industry background of the US-Vietnam defense partnership is complex, with the two countries having a long and often contentious history. The Vietnam War, which ended 50 years ago in April, left deep scars on both countries, and it has taken decades for the two nations to rebuild their relationship. However, in recent years, the two countries have made significant progress in strengthening their defense partnership, with the US providing Vietnam with military aid and training. Looking ahead, the future outlook for the US-Vietnam defense partnership is positive. The partnership is seen as a key component of the US's Indo-Pacific strategy, and it is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. The return of the artifacts is seen as a significant step in strengthening the partnership, and it is likely to have a positive impact on bilateral relations between the two countries. As the US continues to promote stability and security in the region, the US-Vietnam defense partnership is likely to remain a key component of its strategy.