Secretary Clinton struck out on Vietnam (Rep. Ed Royce)

I wasn’t there, but I read the
Secretary’s remarks.  From trips as both First Lady and Secretary of
State, she knows Vietnam, and her passion for the country comes through. 
She commented on how the world suffers too many conflicts in which people can’t
let go of the past.  She’s right, and the U.S. and Vietnam have managed to
work together on several issues since diplomatic normalization 15 years ago. 
Trade is up.  And the Secretary spoke passionately about the continued
cooperation to return the remains of U.S. servicemen lost in
combat.   

 But there is more to the Vietnam
story –its ugly human rights record.  The withdrawal of U.S. troops led
to the massacre and exodus of millions of Vietnamese, those the victorious
North deemed enemies of its Marxist movement.  Some forced to flee found a
home in the U.S., including many in my district.  Still today, Vietnamese
seeking political and religious freedom are systematically persecuted and
abused, often beaten and jailed.  The State Department human rights report
cites increasing government squashing of dissent.  The Socialist Republic
of Vietnam remains a one-party state –and acts like it.        

 That’s why I’ve introduced
legislation calling on the State Department to label Vietnam a “Country of
Particular Concern” for its religious persecution, which would impose mild
sanctions.  Vietnam had been on the list until 2006.  This measure
passed the Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously as an amendment.  The
yearly CPC determination, which has targeted China, Burma and others, will soon
be issued.  I don’t have much hope that Secretary Clinton will put Vietnam
back on the list, especially after Wednesday.     

 The Secretary spoke on Vietnam at
some length, celebrating the “breathtaking” progress in the
U.S.-Vietnam relationship.  No mention of human rights.  She spoke
only the mildest discordant note: “We will not agree on everything,”
immediately diluted by, “We will have different political
systems.”  For someone who supposedly thinks U.S. values should be at
the center of U.S foreign policy, that’s a bit of a stunner.  Sorry to
say, it smacks of moral equivalence.  Couldn’t she muster just a
“Americans regret that Vietnamese don’t enjoy internationally recognized
human rights.”  I don’t think Vietnam’s Ambassador would have stormed
out of the room.      

 The State Department will maintain
that promoting human rights in Vietnam is a priority.  Diplomats and
bureaucrats have told me and other concerned colleagues that many times
over.  But really.  The Secretary sets the tone.  What did she
message to the Vietnamese ambassador?  How serious is his government going
to take the protests of our Ambassador in Hanoi, should he even make any? 
Many, many brave Vietnamese fighting for freedom deserve
better.   

Royce is a senior member of the
House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and is an active member of the
Congressional Caucus on Vietnam.