Beijing scrambles to bolster relationship with Vietnam as Hanoi elevates ties with the US
A visit to Vietnam by Communist Party International Department head Liu Jianchao has been used to counter growing US relationshipParty diplomacy continues to be the ballast in China-Vietnam relations amid simmering tensions in the South China SeaDiplomacyShi JiangtaoPublished: 7:30pm, 17 Sep, 2023Why you can trust SCMP
Biden’s trip saw a historic upgrade of Hanoi’s ties with Washington to a comprehensive strategic partnership, Vietnam’s highest diplomatic status alongside China and Russia.
Liu also visited Cambodia and Laos, two of China’s regional allies, as part of a three-nation tour, in a trip that was seemingly held to stabilise ties with Southeast Asia amid renewed tensions over the South China Sea dispute.