President Joe Biden said Tuesday that he would travel to Vietnam soon — a visit that will be seen as bolstering U.S. influence in the region in a bid to counter China.
The White House had not announced a trip. Biden’s comments were included in a pool report about his remarks at a fundraiser in New Mexico.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Wednesday that he did not have any travel details to discuss.
At a campaign event on July 29 in Freeport, Maine, Biden had stated that the leader of Vietnam was interested in meeting him.
During the July event, Biden reportedly added, “I’ve gotten a call from the head of Vietnam, who is desperate to meet me when I go to the G20.” He wants to make us a significant partner alongside China and Russia. Do you know the significance of that? Definitely not joking.
Biden will be in New Delhi next month for the G20 conference. His most recent international excursion was to Europe last month, where he traveled to Finland, Britain, and Lithuania.
In an effort to counter the influence of China and Russia, Biden has prioritized improving ties in Southeast Asia.
Biden phoned Vietnam’s top official, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, in March. The White House stated that the meeting was focused on “widening the bilateral relationship, as well as working together to address regional challenges like climate change, guaranteeing a free and open Indo-Pacific, & the deteriorating environmental & security situation along the Mekong.”