WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama’s invitation to discuss nuclear security issues with leaders from 46 other nations brought Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung to Washington this week, but nuclear safety was just part of his agenda. As Vietnam approaches the 35th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, and the 15th anniversary of resumed diplomatic ties with the United States, the two former enemies now look toward each other as economic and strategic partners. And each sees, in the relationship, a potential counterbalance to Chinese power.

TUCSON — For a shot of faith in what’s good about humanity, in the face of so much that isn’t, consider John Nance, who died this week in Ohio. Nance understood that “news” was about people — individuals and societies — not grand events. That made him an uncommonly good reporter. But that was not the half of it. He was a favorite among his colleagues in Vietnam. We loved him for his generous spirit, humor and warmth that touched us all.

BANGKOK, Thailand — In the age of growing Chinese influence, there’s a simple measure of a country’s willingness to test China’s wrath. Will they stamp the Dalai Lama’s passport? Add Thailand to the shrinking list of nations that won’t.