The US and Vietnam stated on Saturday that they aimed to strengthen diplomatic ties following a flare-up in tensions with China over Taiwan.

On his way to a G7 foreign ministers conference in Japan, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Vietnamese authorities on Saturday to prepare the ground for a prospective diplomatic upgrade to a "strategic partnership."

"We think this is an auspicious time to elevate our existing partnership," Blinken said to reporters. 

"We've had for the last 10 years this comprehensive partnership that has created an incredibly strong foundation of cooperation across many different areas. As a result, we think this is a good moment to go even further." 

Analysts believe Hanoi is more hesitant to improve relations because it is afraid of upsetting Beijing, despite competing claims in the South China Sea. Their northern neighbor is also an important economic partner.

Vietnam's Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chinh, stated that Hanoi has approved "elevating our bilateral ties to a new height."

The visit follows a phone chat last month between US President Joe Biden and Nguyen Phu Trong, the leader of Vietnam's ruling Communist Party.

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Last week, China launched its 3-day Operation "United Sharp Sword" where Chinese jets and warships reportedly simulated strikes on Taiwan on the second day of the military drills.

The operation was launched following a meeting between Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-Wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on April 5. 

Days ago, Manalo and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Carlito Galvez Jr. met with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and State Secretary Antony Blinken in Washington at the so-called 2+2 ministerial meeting.

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The visit to Vietnam is Blinken's first as secretary of state.

"This groundbreaking –- and the new embassy that we'll build -– represents another significant step toward strengthening a vital partnership between our countries and between our people," Blinken said.