Vietnam, EU Upgrade Relations as Trump Roils Global Trade (1)

Vietnam and the European Union have upgraded diplomatic relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, paving the way for deeper trade ties as US President Donald Trump’s tariffs roil global trade and strain long-held alliances.

The agreement was made on Thursday during the visit of European Council President Antonio Costa to Hanoi, and aims to boost cooperation on trade and investment in semiconductors, critical raw materials and security.

“Cooperation will also be explored in areas such as energy security, including strengthened exchanges on mechanisms for crisis preparedness,” according to a statement released by the EU. “Both sides identify maritime safety and ...