In a press briefing held in Hanoi, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, Daniel Kritenbrink, highlighted the robust trust between the United States and Vietnam, stating that it was at an "all-time high." The diplomat's visit came just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin's state visit to Vietnam.

While Kritenbrink insisted that his trip was unrelated to Putin's visit, it is noteworthy that Vietnam had elevated the United States to its highest diplomatic status as a comprehensive strategic partner, placing it on par with China and Russia. This move signaled Vietnam's interest in diversifying its alliances as Western companies explore alternatives to China for their supply chains.

The elevation of U.S.-Vietnam ties last year indicated Vietnam's intention to strengthen its relationship with the U.S., particularly in the economic domain. In 2023, trade between the two nations amounted to a substantial $111 billion, significantly surpassing the $3.6 billion in trade between Vietnam and Russia.

During his visit, Kritenbrink also expressed concerns about China's assertive actions in the South China Sea. He reiterated that the territorial disputes involving China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan were of great concern for the region and the world. Kritenbrink emphasized the importance of defending sovereignty in the face of increasing tensions.

Vietnam, despite being an old ally of Russia from the Cold War era, relies on its relationship with Russia for defense supplies and oil exploration. This support helps Vietnam maintain its claims in the contentious South China Sea. However, Kritenbrink stressed that Vietnam ultimately had the decision-making power to protect its sovereignty and advance its interests.

In response to recent aggressive actions by China, Kritenbrink applauded Vietnam's diplomatic approach in seeking talks with the Philippines to resolve overlapping claims in the South China Sea. He labeled China's behavior in the Second Thomas Shoal as irresponsible, aggressive, dangerous, and deeply destabilizing.

Moreover, Kritenbrink reaffirmed the "ironclad" defense treaties between the U.S. and the Philippines. This statement followed a faceoff between the Chinese coast guard and Philippine navy boats, in which the Chinese coast guard allegedly rammed, boarded, and inflicted damage using machetes and axes, causing injuries to Filipino navy personnel.

The visit by the senior U.S. diplomat highlighted the growing importance and strong partnership between the U.S. and Vietnam. As geopolitical tensions continue to escalate in the South China Sea, it is evident that Vietnam seeks to balance its relationships with key powers in the region to safeguard its interests and maintain stability.

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