American Antony Blinken makes a stopover in Vietnam, to strengthen ties against China

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Hanoi, Vietnam, Saturday, April 15, 2023. © AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, Pool

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The United States and Vietnam on Saturday (April 15th) expressed a common desire to strengthen diplomatic ties amid heightened regional tensions. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who stopped in Hanoi ahead of a meeting of G7 foreign ministers in Japan, met with Vietnamese leaders today to discuss a "strategic partnership".

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The goal is simple: the United States must do everything possible to counter China's rise in the Indo-Pacific region. For this, Washington must form a coalition that can deter Beijing's ambitions against Taiwan.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that he is strengthening the military posture off Vietnam: "As part of our growing bilateral security partnership," he said, "we are finalizing the transfer of a third US Coast Guard speedboat to Vietnam, which complements a fleet of 24 patrol boats and other equipment, training and operational facilities that we have provided since 2016. All these efforts enhance Vietnam's ability to contribute to maritime peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Many countries in the region are reluctant to antagonize their giant neighbour, which is not only a military power, but also a key trading partner and source of investment. Despite fears of Chinese maneuvers in the area, strengthening ties with the United States without antagonizing Beijing is a delicate exercise for Hanoi.

►Relisten: Southeast Asia, caught between the United States and China?

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• Viet Nam
• United States
• China