Biden accused of sidelining Vietnam and India rights over strategic interests

The White House fact sheet issued during President Joe Biden’s visit to Vietnam weighed in at over 2,600 words. The section on human rights contained just 112 words, including a sub-heading.
From business and strategic perspectives, Biden’s visit to Vietnam on Sunday and Monday, and also to India late last week, will likely be seen as bolstering ties with countries that can help Washington counter China’s growing might.
But for rights advocates, Biden’s travels were a disappointment, given his administration’s vow to prioritize human rights when taking office in 2021.
In Hanoi, Biden said the U.S. was elevating relations to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” and deepening cooperation in cloud computing, semiconductors and artificial intelligence. The White House also unveiled a Vietnam Airlines purchase of 50 Boeing 737 Max jets worth $7.8 billion.
Rights advocates fear a lack of focus on human rights, while not unexpected, will not only fail to improve conditions in Vietnam and India, but risk worsening them elsewhere.