Vietnam's Minister of Public Security, Tô Lâm, recently met with U.S. Navy Secretary Hùng Cao in New York, highlighting the ongoing efforts to strengthen Vietnam-U.S. relations. The meeting took place on September 22, 2026, as part of Lâm's visit to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly.

Hùng Cao, who has a background as a Vietnamese refugee and previously served in the U.S. military, expressed his pleasure at the opportunity to meet with Lâm and Vietnam's Minister of Defense, General Phan Văn Giang. This encounter follows their previous meeting in June during the Pacific Partnership program in Hanoi.

During his visit, Tô Lâm also engaged with the Vietnamese community in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration among Vietnamese people worldwide. He noted that despite differing perspectives on history, all members of the Vietnamese diaspora share a common heritage. Lâm's message of reconciliation and looking toward the future aligns with the Communist Party of Vietnam's Resolution 23, which addresses the role of overseas Vietnamese.

Currently, there are approximately 6.5 million Vietnamese living in 130 countries, with the largest community residing in the U.S., numbering around 2.3 million. This diaspora not only contributes significant remittances to Vietnam but also serves as a vital source of knowledge and connections that the Vietnamese government seeks to leverage.

In his discussions with Hùng Cao, Tô Lâm expressed hopes for continued positive contributions to Vietnam-U.S. relations, particularly in defense cooperation, which aligns with both nations' interests in maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Hùng Cao's appointment as Navy Secretary, following a nomination by Donald Trump, underscores the evolving dynamics of U.S.-Vietnam relations.

Despite the positive interactions, challenges remain in the relationship, particularly regarding historical sensitivities and the Vietnamese government's stance on symbols associated with the former South Vietnam regime. The complexities of the Vietnam-U.S. relationship are further influenced by the broader context of U.S.-China relations, with experts suggesting that Vietnam's role may be seen as a strategic counterbalance to China.

As Tô Lâm's visit continues, he is expected to meet with various world leaders attending the UN General Assembly, although a meeting with President Trump appears unlikely due to scheduling conflicts with other diplomatic engagements.