China’s Xi visits Vietnam weeks after it strengthened ties with the US and Japan

By HUIZHONG WU
Associated Press

BANGKOK (AP) — Chinese leader Xi Jinping has arrived in Vietnam seeking to deepen ties with the Southeast Asian neighbor. He comes just weeks after Vietnam elevated its diplomatic relations with the United States and Japan. Experts say Vietnam is seeking to reassure Beijing after President Joe Biden visited to mark the U.S. receiving the highest official designation for a diplomatic relationship. China has long held that same status. In November, Japan and Vietnam also boosted economic and security ties.