US President Joe Biden has visited Vietnam to strengthen ties as both countries aim to counter China’s growing influence. As part of his visit, Biden and the leader of Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party, Nguyen Phu Trong, signed a comprehensive strategic partnership to deepen relations and cooperation on strategic supplies. The goal of the visit is to bolster support against China’s increasing diplomatic influence and secure supplies of strategically important resources from friendly countries. This move puts the United States on the same level as China in Vietnam’s hierarchy of diplomatic relations.
During the visit, Biden highlighted the importance of the partnership, stating that Vietnam and the United States are critical partners during a crucial time. The deal focuses on deepening cooperation in critical emerging technologies, particularly in building a more resilient semiconductor supply chain. Additionally, talks covered the supplies of rare earth minerals, which are essential for the production of high-tech devices like smartphones and electric car batteries. Vietnam, with the world’s second-largest deposits of rare earths after China, plays a crucial role in diversifying sources away from China after recent supply chain disruptions.
While Vietnam is careful not to take sides between the United States and China, there are mounting concerns about China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea, which Vietnam shares with its neighbor. However, just before Biden’s visit, The New York Times reported that Vietnam was secretly arranging to buy arms from Russia in violation of US sanctions. Vietnam has a long-standing military relationship with Russia, but there has been a growing discomfort within Vietnam regarding this relationship. The new comprehensive strategic partnership with the United States is likely to help Hanoi diversify its partnerships by allowing it to source from the US and its allies.
Biden’s visit to Vietnam also included a visit to a memorial for his friend John McCain, the former US senator who was shot down and held captive during the Vietnam War. McCain played a significant role in rebuilding ties between the two countries in later years.
While forging closer ties with Vietnam, Biden also emphasized the importance of human rights. Vietnam has a concerning human rights record, with government critics facing intimidation, harassment, and imprisonment after unfair trials. Although Biden has frequently criticized China’s human rights record, he has largely stayed quiet on Vietnam’s situation. Campaigners are concerned that he may not press the subject during his visit.
Overall, Biden’s visit to Vietnam aims to strengthen ties and deepen cooperation between the two countries. Both sides recognize the need to counter China’s growing influence and ensure the stability of critical supply chains. The comprehensive strategic partnership signifies a significant step forward in the relations between Vietnam and the United States, as they work together to address shared challenges and mutual interests.
