8-9-2023 (HANOI) US President Joe Biden is set to arrive in Vietnam on Sunday, marking the latest chapter in the countries’ increasingly warm relations. Biden’s visit comes as the US looks to strengthen its influence in the region and counter China’s growing presence, but human rights concerns are likely to take a backseat to strategic interests.
Biden will meet with Vietnam’s Communist Party leader, Nguyen Phu Trong, and other high-ranking officials during his visit. The two countries are expected to upgrade their diplomatic relationship to a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” signaling a significant deepening of ties between the former foes.
The visit is part of a broader effort by the US to shore up support in the region and counter China’s expanding influence. The US president has been vocal about his desire to reduce the world’s reliance on Chinese supply chains, and Vietnam is seen as a key player in this effort.
However, human rights concerns are likely to be a sensitive issue during Biden’s visit. Vietnam has been criticized by the US government and human rights groups for its treatment of political dissidents and religious minorities. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom recently condemned Vietnam’s “egregious, ongoing, and systematic violations” of religious freedom.
Despite this, Biden is expected to focus on strategic interests during his visit, with human rights concerns relegated to the margins. The US president has faced criticism for his handling of human rights issues in other countries, particularly in Saudi Arabia and India.
Vietnamese activists have expressed skepticism that Biden’s visit will bring any significant improvements in human rights. Le Cong Dinh, a former human rights lawyer who was imprisoned for subversion, said he does not expect the US to push for change in Vietnam. “Human rights protection is no longer a top priority,” he said.
Biden’s visit will also include a poignant visit to the memorial of his friend John McCain, the former US senator who was shot down and held captive during the Vietnam War. McCain played a significant role in rebuilding relations between the US and Vietnam, and his legacy remains an important symbol of the countries’ rapprochement.
