Relationship between Vietnam and US will grow from strength to strength, says Biden as gears up for visit

(FILES) US President Joe Biden speaks during a meeting of his Competition Council in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on July 19, 2023. US President Joe Biden said Tuesday he would travel to Vietnam "shortly" as part of an effort to improve ties with Hanoi, amid Washington's tensions with China. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP)

WASHINGTON (AFP): US President Joe Biden has announced that he would travel to Vietnam "shortly" as part of an effort to improve ties with Hanoi, as Washington seeks to counter China's influence in the region.

"I'm going to be going to Vietnam shortly because Vietnam wants to change our relationship and become a partner," Biden said during remarks in New Mexico.