In Hanoi, Joe Biden says ties have ‘entered a new stage’, as analysts note Vietnam is prepared to challenge China’s regional ambitions
on Sunday that “reaffirmed the importance of economic, trade, and investment cooperation and innovation-driven inclusive economic growth as the core foundations and sources of momentum in the bilateral relationship”.Nhan Dan, the official newspaper of the Communist party of Vietnam,the agreement, with the headline “Vietnam, US establish comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, cooperation, and development.
“The influence of China cannot be overlooked,” he said. “Vietnam is among the few nations in Asia prepared to challenge China’s regional ambitions, all while maintaining open lines of communication with Beijing.”to an incident in which a Chinese Coast Guard vessel allegedly harassed a Vietnamese fishing boat with water cannon, breaking a fisher’s arm in the process.Liu Jianchao, international liaison commission of the Central Committee of the Communist party of China, for a visit to Hanoi.
Dr Huong Le Thu, adjunct fellow at CSIS in Washington DC, said: “China has already been reacting by using language warning south-east Asian countries from external meddling, sending the water cannon, sending more delegations prior to Biden’s visit.