President Joe Biden met with Vietnamese President To Lam in New York with the aim of strengthening relations with Vietnam and countering ties with China and Russia. They discussed accelerating their strategic partnership, investments in semiconductors, cybersecurity, and cooperation on freedom of navigation. Lam expressed Vietnam’s commitment to independence, self-reliance, and diversification in foreign policy. Representatives of U.S. companies, including Meta, pledged to expand investments in Vietnam, and Lam asked for support in removing Vietnam from the list of non-market economies and for cooperation on semiconductor supply chains.
Biden visited Hanoi a year ago and secured deals on semiconductors and minerals, despite human rights concerns. U.S. Rep. Michelle Steel urged Biden to address human rights abuses in Vietnam. The meeting addressed economic cooperation and Vietnam’s strategic approach in a complex neighborhood. This meeting helps Lam solidify his power after becoming Vietnam’s top leader and navigate relations with China and Russia.
Vietnam has sought to shed its non-market economy label to enhance ties with the U.S., but Biden cannot offer concessions based on Commerce Department criteria. Critics argue that Vietnam’s policy commitments do not align with actions and that it is becoming a hub for Chinese companies to bypass U.S. import restrictions. The meeting with Lam is seen as significant for Vietnam’s position between major powers and its importance to U.S. Asia policy.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
