During a state visit to Hanoi on Sunday, U.S. President Joe Biden and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee (CPVCC) Nguyen Phu Trong elevated the U.S.-Vietnam relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. This significant move marks a new chapter in bilateral ties between the two nations.
While President Biden emphasized that this development is not aimed at containing or isolating any third country, the move has drawn attention regarding its potential impact on regional dynamics. Media reports have suggested that the U.S. seeks to strengthen its presence in the region amid ongoing global shifts.
In response, China has called for respect for regional stability and cooperation. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning commented on Monday, stating, “It is our view that the development of bilateral relations should not target any third party or harm regional peace, stability, development, and prosperity.”
Mao Ning added, “We ask the U.S. to respect regional countries’ shared aspiration for stability, cooperation, and development, abide by basic norms governing international relations, and discard the hegemonic and Cold War mentality when dealing with relations with Asian countries.”
China and Vietnam share a robust relationship rooted in historical and ideological ties between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV). Vietnam has frequently emphasized that strengthening its comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with China is a top priority in its foreign affairs.
Experts have noted that while the U.S. seeks to expand its relations in the region, the foundational ties between China and Vietnam remain resilient. The longstanding partnership between the two neighboring countries is characterized by close political, economic, and cultural connections.
As geopolitical shifts continue to shape the region, countries like Vietnam navigate relationships with major powers while prioritizing their national interests and regional stability. The future of U.S.-Vietnam relations will be closely watched, as will their impact on the broader dynamics in Asia.
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Biden's Hanoi overtures won't affect resilient China-Vietnam relations
cgtn.com
