US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (C) inspects a guard of honour along with Vietnam's Defence Minister Phan Van Giang (L) during a welcoming ceremony in Hanoi on Thursday [Vietnam News Agency/AFP]
VOA: US Defense Chief Seeks to Advance Ties with Vietnam
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin looked to improve military relations with Vietnam during talks Thursday.
The two countries are slowly gaining closer ties as they watch China’s activities in the South China Sea with growing concern.
The closer security relations come more than 40 years after the Vietnam War ended in 1975.
President Joe Biden's administration, however, has said there are limits to the relationship unless Hanoi makes progress on human rights.
Vietnam has strongly opposed China's claims to territory in the South China Sea. Vietnam has also received U.S. military equipment, including navy ships.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: There are still too many differences between the U.S. and Vietnam to cooperate.
More News On The U.S. Defense Chief Visiting Vietnam
US defense secretary broadens cooperation with Vietnam -- AP
Pentagon chief in Vietnam to advance ties but rights concerns linger -- Reuters
US defence chief visits Vietnam to shore up support in Asia -- Al Jazeera
Pentagon Chief Visits Hanoi, Manila to Shore Up Defense Relations Amid Stronger Anti-China Push -- Sputnik
U.S., Vietnam Discuss COVID-19 Aid, New Program to Find War Dead -- US Department of Defense
