cited four anonymous U.S. officials<\/a> as saying that the Trump administration \u201crecently directed senior diplomats \u2013 including the U.S. ambassador to Vietnam Ambassador Marc Knapper \u2013 to stay away from activities tied to the anniversary on April 30.\u201d<\/p>\nVeterans have also been told they will get no official help in organizing anniversary events, the newspaper said.<\/p>\n
Noting that the ministry had not specifically verified the contents of the New York Times<\/i> report, Hang told a regular press briefing Thursday the South\u2019s surrender 50 years ago in the city then called Saigon holds a deep significance for both Vietnam and the U.S.<\/p>\n
\u201cVietnam\u2019s victory on April 30, 1975 is a victory of human conscience and righteousness, one that put an end to the losses and sufferings, for not only the people of Vietnam, but also to countless American families,\u201d state media quoted her as saying.<\/p>\n
Some U.S. officials told the New York Times<\/i> that Trump may not want officials attending an event on the same day as his 100th day in office, particularly one marking a U.S. defeat.<\/p>\n
Radio Free Asia contacted the U.S. State Department to ask about the newspaper\u2019s claims but had not received a reply at the time of publishing.<\/p>\n
Hang pointed out that Vietnam-U.S. relations have been on the highest comprehensive strategic partnership level since 2023 and next week\u2019s events are intended to celebrate a spirit of cooperation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe April 30 anniversary is an occasion to honor the values of benevolence, of peace, of reconciliation and in the spirit of putting the past aside and striving towards the future,\u201d said the ministry spokesperson.<\/p>\n
The report comes amid growing uncertainty in U.S.-Vietnam relations. Vietnam was hit with a steep 46% tariff on its exports to the U.S., posing a serious threat to its export-driven industrialization. <\/p>\n
The move was met with disappointment in Hanoi, where Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said that it \u201cdid not reflect the strong bilateral relations between the two nations.\u201d <\/p>\n
Officials from two countries are reportedly in talks for a potential trade agreement, which is expected to lead to a lower tariff rate, though the extent of the adjustment remains unclear. <\/p>\n
Edited by Taejun Kang and Stephen Wright.<\/b><\/i><\/p>\n
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Tin t\u1eeb RFA