A US envoy visits Hanoi days after Putin, saying US-Vietnam trust is at 'all-time high'

HANOI, Vietnam — A senior US diplomat held talks in Vietnam on Saturday and said that the trust between the two countries was at an "all-time high," just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin's state visit to Hanoi.

US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink insisted that his trip was unrelated to Putin's visit on Thursday. Vietnam had elevated the United States to its highest diplomatic status, comprehensive strategic partner, last year, putting it at the same level as China and Russia. The elevation of the US ties suggested that Vietnam wanted to hedge its friendships as Western companies look to diversify their supply chains away from China.