Calay News
The president of the United States, Joe Biden, arrives in Vietnam with the aim of strengthening cooperation between both countries in the face of China’s growing power in the region. This visit follows the G20 summit in India and seeks to gather support to counter Chinese influence.
During his stay, Biden will meet with Nguyen Phu Trong, leader of the Vietnamese Communist Party, and they are expected to sign a “comprehensive strategic alliance,” the highest level of diplomatic cooperation envisioned by Hanoi. Vietnam, which tries to maintain neutrality between Washington and Beijing, shares American concerns about China’s assertiveness in the disputed South China Sea.
In addition to strategic issues, the United States and Vietnam have developed increasingly closer trade relations as Washington seeks to reduce its dependence on China in global supply chains.
Biden will combine strategic interests with the defense of human rights during his visit. Despite its poor record in this area, Vietnam has received less criticism from Biden than China. However, his National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, noted that Biden will address issues such as freedom of speech and religion, as well as other basic human rights.
Biden’s visit to Vietnam will include a stop at the memorial for his friend John McCain, who helped rebuild relations between the two countries after the Vietnam War.
This trip represents an effort to strengthen the United States’ position in Asia and establish a stronger alliance with Vietnam amid growing Chinese influence in the region.
