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

Abstract

The Mekong sub-region, not only rich in resources and dynamically developing but also of great geostrategic importance, has attracted the attention of major powers such as China, Japan, South Korea, and the United States. In particular, it has emerged as a critical area of influence in the context of the intensifying US-China competition. Numerous cooperation initiatives have been launched between major countries and the Mekong sub-region as well as among its members. While the U.S. was initially slow to establish cooperative ties with countries in the Mekong sub-region, recent years have seen a marked shift, with certain achievements in development, security, and environment. Given this context, the possibility of cooperation between the Mekong sub-region and the U.S. shall bring several new opportunities that Vietnam needs to carefully consider and leverage.

(Received: 10 March 2025; published: 01 December 2025)