In a move that has captured international attention, U.S. President Joe Biden and Nguyen Phu Trong, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, signed a new pact in Hanoi on Sunday. This agreement elevates the Vietnam-U.S. relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, signaling a significant shift in regional dynamics.
While Biden emphasized that the U.S. decision was not aimed at containing or isolating China, experts suggest that the underlying strategy is part of a broader effort to 'de-risk' potential future conflicts with the Chinese mainland. 🤔
Despite the U.S. ramping up its relationship with Vietnam, China remains calm and confident about its own strong ties with its socialist neighbor. The bond between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) remains robust, highlighting a divergence from the U.S. approach. 🇨🇳🤝🇻🇳
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning addressed the media on Monday, reiterating that the development of bilateral relations should not target any third party or disrupt regional peace and stability. \"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,\" Mao stated.
Despite Biden's assurances that the U.S. is not seeking to initiate a \"Cold War\" with China, many U.S. media outlets view his visit to Vietnam as an attempt to counter China's influence in the region. This perception suggests that Washington's motives may extend beyond mere diplomatic engagement. 📈📰
Analysts agree that Washington's eagerness to strengthen its relationship with Vietnam is closely tied to the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and the Chinese mainland. Without these tensions, the strategic importance of solidifying ties with Vietnam might not be as pronounced.
