Biden Downplays Human Rights in Vietnam and India Visits to Prioritize Strategic Interests Against China

Biden's visits to Vietnam and India prioritized strategic interests over human rights despite vowing to make rights a priority.

Rights groups accuse India of discriminating against minorities and Vietnam of jailing dissidents. Biden did not publicly criticize their records.

Talking privately is not enough - public criticism is needed to pressure changes in rights policies.

U.S. says it maintains "respectful dialogue" on rights with Vietnam despite concerns the talks are insubstantial.

Downplaying rights aims to get Vietnam and India on board with U.S. strategy to counter China, but may embolden further abuses.