President Joe Biden met with Vietnamese President To Lam in New York to deepen relations with Vietnam, a manufacturing hub, and counter its ties with China and Russia. They discussed accelerating a strategic partnership agreed upon last year, focusing on investments in semiconductors, cybersecurity, and cooperation on freedom of navigation and the rule of law. Lam emphasized Vietnam’s commitment to independence, self-reliance, and multilateralism, seeking support from U.S. companies and the removal of trade restrictions.
Biden’s visit to Hanoi last year resulted in deals on semiconductors and minerals, despite concerns about human rights abuses in Vietnam. U.S. Rep. Michelle Steel urged Biden to address these issues with Lam. The leaders also discussed economic cooperation and Vietnam’s complex regional relationships.
The meeting was seen as important for Lam’s consolidation of power and Vietnam’s efforts to maintain a balanced position between major powers like China and the U.S. Lam’s recent interactions with China and Russia, along with his attendance at the UN General Assembly and a stop in Cuba, illustrate Vietnam’s diplomatic strategy.
Vietnam seeks to be removed from the list of non-market economies, but experts suggest that the decision lies with the Commerce Department based on specific criteria. Concerns exist about Vietnam being used by Chinese firms to circumvent U.S. trade restrictions, leading to calls for concrete actions to match policy commitments. The meeting between Biden and Lam highlights the importance of Vietnam in U.S. Asia policy and the region’s complex geopolitical landscape.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
