Vietnam’s communist party chief, Biden agree to ‘develop’ ties in phone call
The chief of Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party Nguyen Phu Trong and US President Joe Biden agreed in a telephone call on Wednesday to “promote, develop and deepen” ties, Vietnam’s state media reported.
The call, a rare engagement for Biden with a foreign leader who is not a head of state or government, came as the US president is hosting a second Summit for Democracy.
In a statement, the White House said Biden reinforced in the call a US commitment to a strong, prosperous, resilient, and independent Vietnam, adding they would work together to address regional challenges and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The United States is now Vietnam’s largest export market and the two former foes are celebrating the 10th anniversary of a “comprehensive partnership” this year.
But Hanoi has been careful to ensure its ties do not alienate its giant neighbor China, while Vietnam’s human rights record has been a sticking point in the relationship, with Washington critical of the government’s intolerance of dissent and frequent jailing and harassment of those who speak out.
Biden also emphasized a US commitment to the centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), respect for human rights and cooperation on climate goals, according to the White House statement.
Experts say a push by the United States to upgrade ties with Vietnam this year is facing resistance in Hanoi over concerns that China could see the move as hostile at a time of tension between the two superpowers. Read More…
