In 1950, the United States recognized the State of Vietnam, led by Bảo Đại, established diplomatic relations, and sent its first ambassador to Saigon. The country later became officially known as the Republic of Vietnam following the rise of President Ngô Đình Diệm in 1955. The US was opposed to the communist government of the North, led by Chairman Hồ Chí Minh, and did not recognize the northern regime.