Biden in Vietnam: US President not trying to start a 'cold war' with China

President Joe Biden insisted Sunday that he is not trying to start a “cold war” with China as he made his first visit to Vietnam, saying his goal is to provide stability around the world by building U.S. ties with Vietnam and other Asian countries.

“We have an opportunity to strengthen alliances around the world to maintain stability. That's what this trip is all about,” Biden said at a news conference. “It’s not about containing China. It’s about having a stable base.”

The U.S. president came to Hanoi as Vietnam is elevating the United States to its highest diplomatic status as a comprehensive strategic partner, evidence of how far the relationship has evolved from what Biden referred to as the “bitter past” of the Vietnam War.

The expanded partnership reflected a broader effort across Asia to counter China's influence as Biden has said Vietnam wants to show its independence and U.S. companies want an alternative to Chinese factories. But Biden is pursuing these agreements while simultaneously trying to cool any tensions with China.

Biden's comments come after he was warmly welcome to Hanoi on Sunday, wher he predicted "the beginning of an era of even greater cooperation" with Vietnam.

“Vietnam and the United States are essential partners” at an “extremely important” moment for the world, the US president declared at the start of a meeting with the general secretary of the ruling Communist Party, Nguyễn Phú Trọng.

Soldiers in full uniform joined school children waving small flags from the two Vietnam and the US welcomed Biden, as he arrived hot on the heels of the G20 summit in New Delhi.

The aim of the visit is to assert American power in Asia at the gates of China.

Biden is set to sign an “extended strategic partnership”