Is US-Vietnam pledge to boost ties after Antony Blinken’s Hanoi visit mere ‘diplomatic symbolism’?

Since 2013, Vietnam and US have increased political, economic and defence ties as both express fears over Chinese ambitions in the South China Sea

A strategic partnership with US would ‘help Vietnam improve its diplomatic position’ but analysts say Vietnam has long been nervous about provoking China

Reading Time:3 minutes

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (left) is greeted by Vietnam’s Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son as he arrives at the Government Guest House in Hanoi on April 15, 2023. Photo: AFP

Published: 10:00pm, 15 Apr 2023Updated: 11:40pm, 15 Apr 2023

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday told Vietnam’s leaders that the time had come to elevate relations amid speculation that a formal upgrade in ties is coming closer to fruition.

“From our perspective, we think this is an auspicious time to elevate our existing partnership,” Blinken said at a Saturday press conference in Hanoi.

“I think what you will see in the weeks and months ahead is our teams working on this,” he added.

After arriving in Hanoi on Friday, Blinken on Saturday met with Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son. He also attended a groundbreaking ceremony for a new eight-storey US embassy.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Saturday that the US was finalising the transfer of a third Coastguard Cutter to Vietnam, which will complement the 24 US patrol boats provided since 2016. Photo: Handout

Without specifically mentioning an upgrade to security partner status, Chinh told Blinken on Saturday morning that the government was making plans to deepen bilateral ties.