This content was originally published by Radio Free Asia, and it is now licensed for reprint.
Despite media accounts that the Trump administration instructed officials to stay away from occurrences, the Taiwanese government claims to be anticipating a huge U.S. existence when the country celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War on April 30.
According to Pham Thu Hang, a spokesman for Vietnam’s foreign ministry, “delegations led by high-level officials, political parties, international organizations, harmony activities and anti-war activities, including those from the U.S.” may be present for festivities in Ho Chi Minh City.
The New York Times  quoted four unidentified U.S. officials as saying that the Trump presidency “recently directed top officials – including the U.S. ambassador to Vietnam Ambassador Marc Knapper – to stay away from actions tied to the celebration on April 30.”
Veterans have also been informed that no formal assistance will be provided to them in organizing anniversary parties, according to the news.
Stand told a regular press briefing on Thursday that the South’s retreat in the area then known as Saigon holds a significant impact for both Vietnam and the United States. The department did not specifically verify the contents of the document.
According to state press,” Vietnam’s victory on April 30, 1975 is a triumph of human consciousness and justice, one that put an end to the hardships and losses for not only the Vietnamese people, but also many American families.”
Some U.S. officials told the New York Times and the Times that Trump may not want officials to attend an event that would mark his 100th day in office, especially one that would have marked a U.S. defeat.
The U.S. State Department contacted Radio Free Asia to inquire about the newspaper’s allegations, but the publication had not received a response.
Hang noted that Vietnam-U. Since 2023, U.S. relations have been at the most comprehensive strategic partnership level, and the events scheduled for next week aim to honor this spirit of cooperation.
The ministry spokesperson said,” The April 30 anniversary is an opportunity to honor the values of benevolence, peace, reconciliation, and in the spirit of putting the past aside and striving for the future,”
The report comes as U.S.-Vietnam relations are becoming more uncertain. Vietnam was subject to a steep 46 % tariff on its exports to the United States, which poses a serious threat to its export-driven industrialization.
Hanoi’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said the move “did not reflect the two countries ‘ strong bilateral relations.”
Officials from two nations reportedly have discussions about a potential trade agreement, which is anticipated to result in a lower tariff rate.
