In a significant move to strengthen ties with key partners in the Indo-Pacific, President Joe Biden paid his first visit to Vietnam on September 10th. This visit marks another milestone for U.S. national security interests in the region and highlights the importance Washington places on bilateral partnerships in countering China's influence.
The U.S.-Vietnam relationship is set to be elevated from a “comprehensive partnership” to a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” the highest level in Vietnam's diplomatic hierarchy.[0] This move solidifies the commitment between the two countries to deepen economic and security cooperation. It is a remarkable achievement for Vietnam, considering its longstanding ties with Moscow and Beijing.[1]
Vietnam's complex relationship with China, as well as its appeal as a destination for companies relocating production out of China, has made it increasingly important to the United States.[2] The Biden administration's Indo-Pacific Strategy identifies Vietnam as one of the “leading regional partners” with which it aims to deepen relations.[2] By expanding the partnership, the U.S. aims to counter China's growing influence in the region.
While the primary focus of the visit is on diplomatic ties and trade, there is also an underlying goal of addressing China's assertiveness in the Asia Pacific region. Vietnam shares Washington's commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific maritime area.[3] Additionally, the U.S. is Vietnam's second-largest trading partner and the largest export market for Vietnamese goods.[3]
The upgrade in the U.S.-Vietnam relationship is not without its challenges, particularly concerning China's reaction. Vietnam, which already has strategic partnerships with Russia and China, seeks to maintain a balanced approach in its foreign policy.[4] While Beijing may be concerned about the elevated ties between Vietnam and the U.S., Hanoi will likely engage in diplomatic efforts to assure China that the relationship upgrade is not intended to isolate or antagonize Beijing.
During his visit to Vietnam, President Biden emphasized that the partnership with Vietnam was not meant to contain China.[5] He reiterated his goal of having a stable Asia-Pacific region and expressed the desire to see China succeed economically while adhering to established rules.
The visit to Vietnam is part of a broader effort by President Biden to strengthen partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. He has already signed a deal with Australia to help produce nuclear submarines, expanded military access in the Philippines, deepened relations with India, and brought South Korea and Japan together in a trilateral relationship.[1] These efforts reflect the administration's commitment to countering China's influence and ensuring stability in the region.
However, there are challenges in balancing strategic interests with the defense of human rights. Human rights organizations have called on President Biden to address Vietnam's human rights record during his visit.[6] The U.S. must navigate these concerns while seeking to expand its diplomatic and economic partnership with Hanoi.[6]
Overall, President Biden's visit to Vietnam marks an important step in strengthening ties in the Indo-Pacific region. The elevated partnership between the U.S. and Vietnam will contribute to countering China's influence and promoting stability.[7] However, challenges remain in addressing human rights concerns and maintaining a balanced approach in foreign policy. President Biden's efforts to assemble diverse coalitions to confront authoritarian regimes like China demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding global interests.[1] However, there is a need to bridge the gap between rhetoric and action to ensure credibility and promote democracy.
0. “Biden's Vietnam Visit Offers Chance for Mekong Diplomacy” Foreign Policy, 8 Sep. 2023, https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/09/08/vietnam-biden-visit-mekong-china-comprehensive-strategic-partnership
1. “Opinion | Biden Vietnam visit exposes limits of democracy promotion – The Washington Post” The Washington Post, 10 Sep. 2023, https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/09/10/biden-vietnam-visit-democracy-human-rights
2. “In blow to China, US secures closer partnership with Vietnam” GZERO Media, 7 Sep. 2023, https://www.gzeromedia.com/in-blow-to-china-us-secures-closer-partnership-with-vietnam
3. “US President Biden visits Vietnam: Wartime foes to highest-level partners?” Al Jazeera English, 9 Sep. 2023, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/9/us-president-biden-visits-vietnam-wartime-foes-to-highest-level-partners
4. “Joe Biden says China less likely to invade Taiwan amid economic downturn” The Telegraph, 10 Sep. 2023, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/09/10/joe-biden-china-less-likely-invade-taiwan-econmic-slowdown
5. “President Biden wraps up rambling Vietnam presser in candid way: ‘I'm gonna go to bed'” Fox News, 11 Sep. 2023, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/president-biden-wraps-rambling-vietnam-presser-candid-way-gonna-go-bed
6. “Vietnam: Biden Should Raise Rights on Hanoi Visit” Human Rights Watch, 9 Sep. 2023, https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/09/09/vietnam-biden-should-raise-rights-hanoi-visit
7. “US denies Cold War with China in historic Vietnam visit” BBC, 10 Sep. 2023, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-66748670
