US and Vietnam are ‘critical partners’ in ‘critical time’: BidenAP, HANOIUS President Joe Biden yesterday opened a brief visit to Vietnam by telling the country’s leadership that the two nations have a chance to shape the Indo-Pacific region for decades to come. Vietnam is elevating relations with the US to the level of a comprehensive strategic partner, which a top Biden adviser said represents Vietnam’s highest tier of international partnership. With China’s economic slowdown and President Xi Jinping’s (習近平) consolidation of political power, Biden sees an opportunity to bring more nations — including Vietnam and Cambodia — into the US’ orbit. Scores of schoolchildren lined the steps waving small US and Vietnam flags and Biden watched from an elevated review stand as high-stepping members of the military marched past. Trong sought to flatter Biden, who faces persistent questions at home about being 80 years old and running for re-election next year.
