President Obama is visiting Vietnam today and paused for a picture with communist party President Tran Dai Quang in front of a bust of Ho Chi Minh.
Perhaps it’s just me, but given the nature of the diplomatic relationship this specific optic seems rather inappropriate.
"We've come here as a symbol of renewed ties." Pres Obama tells Vietnamese Pres. Speaks of "increased cooperation" & "warm friendship."
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) May 23, 2016
That’s not to say the visit is inappropriate, because it’s not. Vietnam is building a massive trade economy in the same modern model as the Chinese. However, the broadcasted picture accompanying the visit is what seems in poor taste. Then again, perhaps the overly apologetic, seemingly weak, image it represents might indeed be the intended optic.
Also it appears the BBC team was banned from coverage (See Here).