United States President Joe Biden and Vietnamese Communist Party's Secretary General Nguyen Phu Trong underlined in a joint statement posted on the White House's website on Monday that the two countries are against the "use of force" in the South China Sea.
"The Leaders underscored their unwavering support for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, without the threat or use of force, as well as freedom of navigation and overflight and unimpeded lawful commerce in the South China Sea, respect for sovereignty, and for sovereign rights and jurisdiction of coastal states over their exclusive economic zones and continental shelves," the statement read.
Meanwhile, earlier, the two were also pleased to announce that the US and Vietnam have entered a new stage in their cooperation by "elevating their nations' relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership."