The U.S. Perspective on Mekong Sub-regional Cooperation and Policy Implications for Vietnam

Abstract

The Mekong sub-region, not only a resource-rich, dynamically developing but also an important geostrategic region, has received the attention of such great powers as China, Japan, South Korea, and the United States. Especially, it has emerged as an critical area of influence in the context of the fierce US-China competition. There have been many cooperation initiatives between major countries and the Mekong sub-region as well as among its members. Recently, the U.S. initial delay in establishing cooperation with the Mekong sub-region has shifted remarkably with certain achievements regarding subregional development, security, and environment. Against this background, the possibility of cooperation between the Mekong sub-region and the U.S. shall bring several new opportunities that Vietnam needs to consider to take advantage of