In India and Vietnam, Biden looks past differences on Russia and embraces imperfect partners
abcnews.go.comPresident Joe Biden has wrapped up a five-day diplomatic sprint through Vietnam and India that put a spotlight on complicated relationships he believes will be crucial for global stability
HANOI, Vietnam — HANOI, Vietnam (AP) —
President Joe Biden on Monday wrapped up a five-day diplomatic sprint through Vietnam and India that put a spotlight on imperfect partners that he believes will be crucial for global stability in the years to come.
The whirlwind visit demonstrated that as Russia’s war on Ukraine plods on with no end in sight, Biden appears to have become more willing to look past differences with complicated allies that he badly needs to keep close for the sake of stability in the Indo-Pacific, Middle East and beyond.
Biden closed out his Asia trip in Hanoi on Monday by spotlighting new business deals and partnerships with Vietnam after celebrating the Communist government’s elevation of the U.S.-Vietnam relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
“My message today is quite simple: Let’s keep it up,” Biden said of his desire to keep strengthening the nations' partnership during a meeting with CEOs. “We need to develop and drive our collaboration. We need to forge new partnerships.”
He denied the steps were meant to counter China’s increasing efforts for influence in the region.
The president’s pragmatic approach was also on display over the weekend at the Group of 20 summit in New Delhi in his friendly interactions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, two leaders who have not shied from saying to no to Biden and have paid little regard when he’s raised concerns about their human rights records.
In Hanoi, Biden showcased the new elevated U.S. diplomatic
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