Trump Embraces Vietnam as Strategic Ally After Trade Setback
- President reaffirms predecessor’s security support for country
- One-time foe a budding U.S. partner as China expands influence
U.S. President Donald Trump, right, shakes hands with Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Vietnam's prime minister, at the White House.
Photographer: Bloomberg/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
President Donald Trump sought to advance ties with Vietnam beyond a trade spat as he welcomed Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to the White House, reaffirming the country’s importance as a strategic partner in Southeast Asia.
In a joint statement, the leaders agreed to continue to strengthen defense and trade ties and reiterated the importance of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, the focus of territorial disputes with China. Vietnamese officials announced large deals during the trip, which was the first by a Southeast Asian leader to the Trump White House.