On September 10th of 2023, the world witnessed a historical meeting from two old timed enemies: the US and Vietnam. As history shows, the two countries weren’t considered allies during most of the 1900’s, resulting in the Vietnamese War that marked one of the USs’ biggest military defeats. Now, the two countries meet, trying to establish more transparent international cooperation mechanisms, but as history shows, official statements utilises a way more diplomatic speech then a truthful strategic one.
The joint leaders’ statement express a bilateral interest to improve their relations and, according to President Biden on a news conference “…generating economic growth and stability in all parts of the world.”. Many were the agendas discussed in the meeting, including diplomatic relations; economic trade and even digital cooperation.
When it comes to political and diplomatic relations, the need for continuing their exchanges in delegations and advancements on existing dialogue mechanisms were emphasised. They pledged to further promote the relations between their political parties, in order to promote cooperation between their government agencies, and maintain favourable conditions to secure a stable diplomatic relationship.
Both countries also pledged to facilitate the entrance of their markets, and to promote a better economic scenario for the trade of services and goods. The US acclaimed Vietnam’s progress in economic reforms, and highly anticipates aiding the country into getting a market economy country status. The countries will also keep up with their commitments to follow a non-discriminatory, fair, and inclusive trading system in accordance to the rules set by the World Trade Organization, and the labor rights based on the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.
Regarding technology and digital advancements, Vietnam and the US are working together to strengthen their technological advances cooperative relation, with the US helping Vietnam to train and incorporate high-tech workforces, as it recognises the Vietnam as a major actor regarding the semiconductor industry, even funding Vietnam in this area.
Another issue discussed in the meeting, was of climate change and environmental developments, where the US and Vietnam will coordinate mechanisms of adaptation to climate change; pollution reduction and assistance for modernised transmission infrastructure; integration of renewable energy and energy storage solutions.
When it comes to regional issues, both countries intend to enhance their participation regarding conflicts of mutual interests, joining resources in order to maintain international peace and stability throughout. Their commitment stands with organizations such as the UN; APEC; EAS and many other ASEAN institutions that represent centrality and multilateralism, specially in the Asian continent.
This all seems great, however due to current international conditions, where US hegemony is being increasingly questioned, and with the constant expansion of Chinese influence, not only in Asia, but across the globe, we cannot overlook other interests the Biden administration is pushing forward into this new alliance with Vietnam.
As globalisation develops, the global order changes to adapt to the main actors responsible for such changes. As observable thought modern history, China and the US are the two main leaders in the international community, and are always trying to secure their influence over the globe to maintain their spots as the world’s strongest economies.
As mentioned, China’s grand expansion over the international community is unquestionably worrying to the well established US prominent world order. So in this logic, the Biden administration is focused on fixing old relations that haven’t been nourished by previous administrators such as Trump, in order to promote a diplomatic relation, especially in Asia, but not only that, but to secure its presence in the continent where western standards are being forgotten.
At the end of the day, both the US and Vietnam are being troubled by Chinas advancements, so this new alliance is not as surprising as it seems. As much as President Biden’s speech refers to a more peaceful, anti-cold war sentiment regarding China, and is mainly sticking the focus of the meeting for economic growth and stability, those sentiments cannot be completely overlooked.
A cold-war scenario is quite likely to happen once again, as dollar and US dependency in general, is dropping across the world, and US hegemony is always at a high priority for the country. China and the US are becoming, if not already, equals, when it comes to diplomatic relations, economic capacities and even military capabilities
And what this means to Vietnam, is less reliance on China. Vietnam’s workforce is quite effective and highly educated, and having investments for entrepreneurship and a better relationship with the US, both Vietnamese and US investors are influence to invest in each other, and move out of China. And with the US pushing for Vietnam to become an integral part of the world’s semiconductor supply chain sector, the US will successfully restrict Chinas access to advanced technology.
In conclusion, the US-Vietnam meeting have way more complex reasonings then simply improving diplomatic relations between the countries. Both the US and Vietnam are aiming high Wirth their new partnership, that will have strong consequences for the development of China in the world order. Luckily for both of them, Beijing’s economy is slow, and their plans might actually be successful.
REFERENCES:
https://apnews.com/article/biden-vietnam-status-china-trade-ac8f9dd899f77910c42295769d3fedb6
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-66748670#
The European Institute for International Law and International Relations
