President Joe Biden has firmly denied any intention of containing China’s global influence while in Hanoi, where he signed a groundbreaking agreement with Vietnam. This visit marks over five decades since the last American soldiers departed Vietnam, symbolizing a remarkable shift in relations between former adversaries.
The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the United States and Vietnam represents a significant upgrade in diplomatic ties. Over the past two years, Washington has been actively strengthening its relationship with Vietnam, viewing it as a crucial partner in balancing China’s influence in the Asia-Pacific region. This move is noteworthy because Vietnam has historically been one of China’s closest allies.
During his visit, President Biden emphasized that American actions are not aimed at isolating or restraining China but rather at promoting stability within the framework of international rules. He rejected Cold War comparisons, underlining the goal of fostering economic growth and stability while urging China to succeed by adhering to international norms.
China has expressed discomfort with the deepening ties between the US and Vietnam, characterizing them as evidence of America’s “cold-war mentality.” However, analysts believe that Vietnam’s partnership with the US, while symbolic, holds the potential for substantial economic benefits and a reduced reliance on China.
Vietnam boasts a young and educated workforce, making it attractive to US investors seeking alternatives to China. Tech giants like Dell, Google, Microsoft, and Apple have already relocated parts of their supply chains to Vietnam. Additionally, the US sees Vietnam as a promising market for defense equipment, as the country seeks to diversify its sources away from Moscow.
Washington is also keen to integrate Vietnam into the global semiconductor supply chain and support the growth of its electronics sector, both of which have become focal points in the US effort to limit China’s access to advanced technology.
Vietnam, while strengthening its ties with the US, may not view this partnership as choosing sides. Instead, it is seen as a pragmatic move, especially as China’s economic growth slows down.
However, there are concerns about human rights issues in Vietnam, including government critics facing harassment and imprisonment. The Communist Party controls the media and state-owned broadcast outlets, raising questions about the US balancing its strategic interests with the defense of human rights.
For the US, this partnership is significant as it positions Washington in China’s vicinity. The Biden administration has made concerted efforts to win over Hanoi, dispatching high-ranking officials and military vessels to Vietnam. This partnership underscores Vietnam’s pivotal role in the US’s Indo-Pacific network of alliances and partnerships, which has expanded considerably in recent months.
The speed of these diplomatic initiatives has taken Beijing by surprise, as Washington leverages partnerships with liberal democracies and countries where sovereignty is at risk. Vietnam’s proximity to China also serves as a strategic warning to Beijing as tensions persist in the South China Sea.
While Vietnam seeks enhanced ties with the US, it aims to maintain its relationship with China. Vietnam’s leaders have signaled their commitment to friendly relations with China, even as they strengthen their partnership with the US.
Overall, the US-Vietnam relationship has grown stronger, with mutual trust increasing since diplomatic ties were normalized in 1995. While the memory of the Vietnam War remains, both countries have cooperated in efforts to recover the remains of missing soldiers, fostering reconciliation. Tens of thousands of Vietnamese students study in the US each year, further solidifying the bond between the two nations.
