Thayer Consultancy Background Brief:

ABN # 65 648 097 123

President Biden to Visit
Vietnam: Scene Setter - 3
September 5 , 2023

We are preparing a report on Biden's visit to Vietnam. Latest information from my

sources confirms that the upgrade will be a comprehensive strategic partnership
(CSP) - a two-step upgrade.
Q1. How important is this upgrade?
ANSWER: The upgrade in relations between Vietnam and the United States is
immensely important. Both sides are adjusting to the new strategic environment of
polarization due to the war in Ukraine, protracted intense rivalry between China and
the United States, and a slowdown in the global economy, caused by both the war in
Ukraine and China’s domestic economic difficulties.
The strategic upgrade will set the framework for a long-term, stable, mutually
advantageous relationship.
Q2. What are the most important pillars of this upgrade?
ANSWER: There are nine pillars that shape the current comprehensive partnership.
The new partnership will build on this foundation with priority given to trade and
economic cooperation, science and technology (green transition, digital technology,
climate change mitigation), and defence and security (maritime security).
Q3. There have been various pressures by the US on Vietnam to play a more important
role in the global supply chain. How will this feature in this upgrade? How will this
upgrade affect Vietnam?
ANSWER: The strategic upgrade will be announced in a general joint statement. It will
be followed by detailed negotiations on a multi-year Plan of Action. In other words,
the details on cooperation on a stable and resilient supply chain will be worked out.
U.S. Secretary Janet Yellen proposed “friend-shoring” to provide for the export of
semiconductors from Vietnam to America. Other electronic components are likely to
be included. Vietnam will benefit from the transfer of technology and managerial
experience and increased investment by American companies.
Q4. Any chance for bilateral cooperation in new fields like green transition, EV
and transistor technologies?
 2

ANSWER: It is very clear that enhanced bilateral cooperation in green transition,

Electric Vehicle technology and production and other electronic technologies will
feature under the priority area of science and technology.

Suggested citation: Carlyle A. Thayer, “President Biden to Visit – 3,” Thayer

Consultancy Background Brief, September 5, 2023. All background briefs are posted
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Thayer Consultancy provides political analysis of current regional security issues and
other research support to selected clients. Thayer Consultancy was officially
registered as a small business in Australia in 2002.