The United States expects to elevate its diplomatic relations with former foe Vietnam to the top level as President Joe Biden travels to Hanoi in a week, in a move that may irk China and with unclear business implications.
Fearful of the potential reaction from its much larger neighbour, Vietnam had initially expressed caution about the upgrade. That led the Biden administration to multiply efforts to persuade the southeast Asian nation, including through multiple visits of high-ranking members of the U.S. government in recent months.
The unprecedented push has led Washington to expect to be elevated to the top tier of Vietnam’s diplomatic ranking, together with China and Russia, from two notches below now.
Think about it like if China made a big trade agreement with Mexico or something. It’s not necessarily bad but it’s a geopolitical competitor taking a country that is extremely close physically and sphere-of-influence-wise and currying favor, seemingly trying to pry the country away.
China and Vietnam have been at war reciently, more reciently than with the US, and Vietnam sees more war with China as likely while war with the US is unlikely. There is even a possibility if China and Vietnam go to war again Vietnam can bring the US in on their side. Better relations thus are great for Vietnam in general, except if war with China happens and the US isn’t yet close enough to get involved.
Based on our history in Vietnam I think it’s a wise idea to be on the same side as them going forward. They make a powerful ally in that part of the world
Ah yeah, thanks.
I don’t think any polity in America would have room to complain, democrats aren’t too keen on free trade with Mexico themselves and republicans want to bomb Mexico so