China's Xi Strengthening Ties with Vietnam to Counter US Influence

China and Vietnam have announced a deal to increase strategic cooperation, following President Joe Biden's praise of the strengthened relationship between the United States and Vietnam. Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Vietnamese leaders and emphasized a "shared future" between the two countries. Analysts suggest that Xi wanted assurances that Vietnam's relationship with the US would not overshadow China's new partnership. The deal could potentially allow China to exploit Vietnam's resources against the US. China and Vietnam have also pledged to work together to mitigate threats from "hostile forces" and seek compromise on maritime differences.