HONOLULU -- An American warship steamed slowly up the Saigon River last week to mark the gradual forging of normal political, economic and even military relations between the United States and Vietnam 30 years after the end of their long and bloody war.
Moreover, a new spurt is in the making. Vietnamese Prime Minister Phan Van Kai is planning to visit Washington this year, and U.S. President George W. Bush may travel to Vietnam next year. Vietnamese military officers and diplomats often attend the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies in Hawaii, and more exchanges are expected.
Vietnam's exports to the U.S. in 2004, at $5.3 billion, were five times greater than in 2001 and are headed further up. United Airlines has begun flying into Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, and Continental Airlines has applied for landing rights. Vietnam hopes to join the World Trade Organization this year.