a communist state in Indochina on the South China Sea; achieved independence from France in 1945
"After achieving independence from France in 1945, Vietnam established itself as a communist state in Indochina facing the waters of the South China Sea."
a prolonged war (1954-1975) between the communist armies of North Vietnam who were supported by the Chinese and the armies of South Vietnam who were supported by the United States
"The Vietnamese people endured years of hardship during the long conflict between North Vietnam, backed by China, and its southern counterpart supported by America."
A long war which a dominating foreign occupier of a place (the site of the war) cannot win.
"The Vietnam War is often cited as an example where a superpower could not defeat a determined local resistance despite overwhelming military force."
In plain English: Vietnam is a country located in Southeast Asia that was once divided into North and South before being unified again.
"The Vietnam War was fought for many years during the 20th century."
A country in Southeast Asia, on the east coast of the Indochina Peninsula, officially named Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
"Vietnam is a country located on the east coast of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia."
The name is borrowed directly from Vietnamese, where it originally referred to the country itself. The extended meaning associated with the conflict arose later due to the Vietnam War.