As the United States re-establishes its global alliances, President Joe Biden made a stop in Vietnam last week to promote peace and increase cooperation between the two countries. With tensions in the South China Sea rising between Vietnam and the People’s Republic of China, Biden sought to bolster the Vietnam alliance and speak out for the right of self-determination of its people.
The highly publicized visit began with a tour of a rural village outside of the capital city, Hanoi. During his visit, Biden spent time with members of the local community and was warmly welcomed. He and his entourage stopped at a small shop in the village and purchased some gifts, which the President presented to the nearby schoolchildren.
Biden then addressed the nation in a speech at the National Convention Center. He praised Vietnam for its revolutionary spirit and perseverance in the face of adversity. He spoke of the many challenges Vietnam has overcome to be a thriving nation and extended his hand of friendship to the people of Vietnam. Biden affirmed the US’s commitment to stand with Vietnam as it confronts regional incidents, such as environmental degradation, illegal fishing, and ongoing Chinese aggression in the South China Sea.
Following his speech, Biden held bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister and other leaders and discussed a variety of current issues. Notably, Biden signed the US-Vietnam Climate Change and Clean Energy Partnership, the first of its kind between the US and Vietnam.
The summit was successful overall, as it reaffirmed the strong bilateral ties between the two countries and worked towards confronting challenges together. As indirect confrontations between the US and China continue to intensify, Biden was successful in hedging against China’s aggressive tactics, even if indirectly.
Ultimately, Biden’s visit to Vietnam was a testament of the US’s positive leadership in the region. Through constructive and meaningful dialogue with its allies, the US is poised to further its global agenda, protect its interests, and keep the South China Sea a stable and open space for international use.
