Biden strengthens US-Vietnam relationship during ‘historic’ first visit
September 12, 2023
President Joe Biden met with Vietnamese leaders, including President Vo Van Thuong, to strengthen political ties and promote U.S.-Vietnam business relations.
New deals: During Biden’s first-ever visit to Vietnam, several significant deals were announced, including a $7.5 billion agreement for Vietnam Airlines to purchase approximately 50 aircraft from Chicago-based Boeing and a $1.6 billion factory construction deal with Arizona-based Amkor Technology in the nation’s Bac Ninh Province.
Strengthening ties: Biden emphasized the importance of their growing relationship, especially in the face of continued challenges posed by China in the region. The U.S. aims to strengthen its relationship with Vietnam to counter China’s influence in the region.
Biden visited the Vietnamese Communist Party headquarters, where he received a compliment on his youthful appearance from General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The U.S. was elevated to a “comprehensive strategic partner” during the visit. Biden also met with business leaders from companies such as Boeing Global, Marvell and Google.
His visit to Vietnam, which follows his participation in the G20 Leaders’ Summit in India, includes the honoring of the late Arizona Senator John McCain, who was held as a prisoner of war in the nation during the Vietnam War.
Wrong official: Biden celebrated his first-ever visit to the nation by thanking Vo on X. However, the image accompanying the tweet showed Biden with Vietnam’s National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, not President Vo. Both men have similar appearances, wearing glasses and having black hair parted to the same side. While the tweet was later removed, no replacement was posted.
Vietnam maintains relations: Despite the U.S.’ efforts to deepen ties, Vietnam maintains relations with China due to trade and investment dependencies. The nation has also sought an arms deal with Russia, which the U.S. has discouraged. However, Vietnam’s long-standing relationship with Russia makes disentangling from it a “work in progress,” according to Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer.
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