U.S. President Joe Biden secured deals with Vietnam on semiconductors and minerals as the strategic Southeast Asian nation elevated Washington to its highest diplomatic status. In a press conference in Hanoi after meeting with Vietnam’s leaders today, Mr Biden welcomed the move and said he hoped progress could be made on climate, the economy and other issues. Mr Biden reached Hanoi today after participating in G20 summit in New Delhi.
 
The U.S. has been pushing for the upgrade for months as it sees the manufacturing powerhouse Vietnam as a key country in its strategy to secure global supply chains from China-related risks.
 
The U.S. president called Vietnam a friend, a reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community.