President Joe Biden clarified on Sunday that his visit to Vietnam, aimed at strengthening ties with Hanoi, was not an attempt to initiate a “cold war” with China.

Instead, it is part of a broader strategy to promote global stability by nurturing U.S. relationships across Asia, especially during a period of heightened tensions with Beijing.

Biden emphasized during a press conference in Vietnam’s capital, following his participation in the Group of 20 summit in India, that the goal is not to contain China but to establish a stable foundation, the Associated Press reported.

His visit coincided with Vietnam granting the United States its highest diplomatic status as a comprehensive strategic partner, a sign of the significant progress made in the relationship since the “bitter past” of the Vietnam War.

This expanded partnership aligns with a wider initiative in Asia to counterbalance China’s influence.

Biden noted that Vietnam seeks a level of independence, while U.S. companies are exploring alternatives to Chinese factory imports.

In this context, he is pursuing potential allies while also seeking to ease tensions with China.

Written by staff