White House: Biden to Visit Vietnam on September 10

The White House announced today, Monday, that U.S. President Joe Biden will travel to Vietnam on September 10 to meet with the General Secretary of the Communist Party, Nguyen Phu Trong, and other officials. The White House stated that the two leaders will discuss strengthening relations between the two countries as well as enhancing “the technology and innovation-driven Vietnamese economy.” Washington is eager to elevate its ties with Hanoi, which it views as a key partner in the region amid increasing tensions between Washington and Beijing. On the other hand, Vietnam must assess its powerful neighbor's reaction. The Biden administration seeks to solidify U.S. relations with Asian countries, and Biden will arrive in Vietnam after visiting India, where he is scheduled to attend the G20 summit from September 7 to 10. However, Biden will not participate in the upcoming ASEAN meetings in early next month and will send Vice President Kamala Harris instead. Washington is focusing on Hanoi as one of its largest partners in the region, especially as time passes and memories of the Vietnam War fade.