A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF REMARK BY JOE BIDEN DURING OFFICIAL VISIT TO VIETNAM IN 2023

Abstract

This study employs Norman Fairclough's Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) framework to examine President Joe Biden's remark during his 2023 official visit to
Vietnam, focusing on the ideological and rhetorical strategies used to strengthen U.S. - Vietnam relations. As the first U.S. president to visit Hanoi at the invitation of
Vietnam’s General Secretary, Biden’s speech marks a significant milestone in elevating bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. By analyzing
vocabulary, metaphors, pronouns and modality, the research identifies how Biden’s discourse emphasizes partnership, mutual respect and shared goals, reflecting
broader geopolitical and economic strategies. Key themes include promoting economic cooperation, addressing global challenges such as climate change and
reinforcing Vietnam’s strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region amidst the U.S.’s efforts to counterbalance China’s influence. The findings reveal Biden’s use of
language as a tool to articulate American values, project ideology and secure support for foreign policy initiatives. This research contributes to the underexplored field
of U.S. political discourse in Southeast Asia, providing insights into how language shapes diplomatic engagements and reflects power dynamics.