Biden Announces New Strategic Partnership in Vietnam

The U.S. and Vietnam announced a new strategic partnership in tech and aviation during President Joe Biden’s two-day visit to Hanoi.

A ‘New Stage’ of Relations: The new deals seek to expand supply chains related to semiconductors, AI, and cloud computing between the two countries. Furthermore, Vietnam Airlines said it would buy 50 of Boeing’s 737 Max jets in a “landmark” $7.8 billion deal, and top business executives from both countries met at an innovation and investment summit.

No New ‘Containment’: Coverage often cited Biden’s visit as another step to curb China’s influence. However, Biden said he did not want to “contain” China — an apparent reference to the Cold War-era policy of “containment” that fueled the Vietnam War — instead saying his goal was “getting the relationship right.” Biden and climate envoy John Kerry visited a memorial to the late Sen. John McCain, who was captured during the Vietnam War. 

Speech Gaffe: Toward the end of a press conference, sometime after 9 p.m. local time, Biden told reporters, “But I tell you what, I don't know about you, but I'm going to go to bed.” Some headlines said the conference ended “abruptly” afterward.

How the Media Covered It: Coverage of Biden’s visit and the new partnerships was common in mainstream outlets, regardless of bias rating. Coverage from right-rated outlets appeared to cover Biden’s speech gaffe more frequently; Fox News (Right bias) said he was “announcing that he was sleepy,” an apparent reference to former President Donald Trump’s “Sleepy Joe” nickname.