Vietnam Prime Minister Phan Van Khai is visiting the U.S. this week and has met with President Bush on 21 June. The visit is the first by a Vietnamese Prime Minister to the U.S. since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. Relations between the two countries are improving as they form economic ties. However the Christians in Vietnam continue to suffer.
Currently, hundreds of Vietnamese Christians are imprisoned for practicing their faith. A majority of them are Montagnards, an ethnic minority from the northern and central highlands of Vietnam. Vietnam’s communist regime also persecute Mennonites, Roman Catholics and Buddhists.
"We are hopeful that President Bush will take a strong stance and say, 'first you improve your human rights, and then we can talk trade,'" said Ann Buwalda, Director of the Jubilee Campaign.
"To be a Christian in Vietnam today is to risk death, to risk arrest, to risk losing your household, losing your livelihood, because of your religious beliefs," said Roger Severino of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty.
Last month, the U.S. and Vietnam agreed to increase religious freedom. But the situation continues to seem grave as many are still forced to renounce their faith. Not much has changed and only a handful of Christians have been released.
One 80-year old women was recently dragged from her house and beaten by Vietnamese troops. "She worships God because she wants to be saved, so that when she dies, she will be with the Lord," said Kor Ksor, the founder of Montagnard Foundation, Inc.
Another agreement has been signed between President Bush and Prime Minister Khai to make it easier for people to worship freely in Vietnam. Vietnam’s possible admittance to the World Trade Organisation was discussed as well. However, some lawmakers say that the country’s human rights policies must change before that can happen.
"Vietnam needs to act like the strategic partner of the United States we would like it to be, treating its citizens, even those who disagree with government policies, with respect and dignity," commented Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ).
During Prime Minister Khai's visit to the Washington, hundreds attended rallies at the White House and Freedom Plaza and several testified on Capitol Hill with the message: freedom and religious liberty for Vietnam.
Daniel Blake
Christian Today Correspondant