Biden to Deepen Ties with Vietnam During UN Assembly

President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with Vietnam's President To Lam during the United Nations General Assembly. This meeting reflects Biden's strategy to strengthen ties with Vietnam, a key player in countering Russia and China. The visit follows prior agreements on semiconductors and an enhanced diplomatic relationship.

U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to have a significant meeting with Vietnam's President and ruling Communist Party Chief To Lam on Wednesday, according to an insider who spoke to Reuters. This anticipated meeting will occur on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

At this time, the White House has not provided a comment. Previously, a spokesperson for the Vietnamese foreign ministry did not confirm whether Lam would be meeting Biden. President Biden aims to bolster relations with Vietnam, a strategic country in Southeast Asia and a manufacturing hub, to counterbalance Russia and China's influence, nations with which Vietnam also has connections.

Biden's last September visit to Vietnam resulted in agreements on semiconductors and minerals and elevated Hanoi to its highest diplomatic status, comparable to China and Russia. This marks Lam's first visit to the United States since being appointed head of the party in early August, a position considered the nation's most powerful. During his trip, Lam will attend a U.N. event and engage with representatives from major U.S. corporations like Alphabet's Google and Meta, as per Reuters' previous reports.

In addition to his U.S. visit, Lam's itinerary includes a trip to Cuba, Vietnam's enduring Communist ally.

(With inputs from agencies.)