US, Vietnam strike partnership in face of looming threat from China | DW News - Summary

Summary

Vietnam and the United States upgraded their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership during U.S President Joe Biden's visit to Vietnam. The focus of the visit was to expand cooperation in trade, technology, and combating regional and transnational crime. This partnership is seen as a response to the looming threat from China in the region, although both leaders emphasized that it is not an attempt to contain China. The upgrade reflects Vietnam's growing economic importance and its role in countering China's influence in the South China Sea. Vietnam aims to balance its relationships with both the U.S and China.

Facts

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1. Vietnam and the United States upgraded their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Vietnam.
2. The focus of the visit was to expand cooperation in trade, technology, and enhance Vietnam's capacity to fight regional and transnational crime.
3. There are territorial disputes between Vietnam and China in the South China Sea, and the U.S. clarified its stance, emphasizing the importance of peaceful resolution and avoiding the use of force.
4. Both countries emphasized the importance of a relationship with China that is transparent and based on mutual understanding, not aimed at containment.
5. The comprehensive strategic partnership elevates the U.S. to the top of Vietnam's diplomatic priorities, indicating a significant step in their relationship.
6. The partnership aims to boost economic ties, with the U.S. viewing Vietnam as a manufacturing powerhouse. Multi-billion dollar deals in sectors like airlines and semiconductors were discussed.
7. Vietnam's fast-growing economy and its young, tech-driven population make it an attractive alternative for U.S. companies, reducing dependence on China.
8. The U.S. has engaged in security agreements and military exercises with various countries in the region, leading to concerns about containment from China's perspective.
9. Vietnam maintains a delicate balance between its partnership with the U.S. and its comprehensive strategic partnership with China, aiming to counterbalance the influence of both powers.

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