Lewis M. Stern, former Director for Southeast Asia in the Office of the Secretary of Defense 2002-2008, explains that "Decision-makers in Hanoi and Washington now need to determine what it will take to move the relationship from the status of a 'comprehensive partnership' conferred during President Truong Tan Sang's 2013 visit to a new 'strategic partnership.'"

The views expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of the East-West Center or any organization with which the author is affiliated.

Additional titles in the Asia Pacific Bulletin series