(BGF) – The arms embargo to Vietnam is likely to be eased by the United States, which might allow Vietnam to acquire U.S. weapons, particularly in the field of maritime surveillance, to increase its defense abilities. According to New York Times report, The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, visited Vietnam for the first time in an effort to improve the relationship with Vietnamese military. However, the move is seen by China as going against Beijing in the contest over South China Sea.
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In China’s Shadow, U.S. Courts Old Foe Vietnam
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam — The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, courted Vietnam over the past several days. He was the first chairman in more than 40 years to visit the old enemy of Washington, now envisioned as a new partner that will acquire American weapons and help offset the power of China.
General Dempsey, who graduated from West Point as the Vietnam War was winding down, never served here, but his visit capped a vibrant effort by the United States and Vietnam to reconnect. A longstanding embargo on lethal weapons sales by the United States is likely to be eased, he said, and Washington would then begin discussions on what equipment Vietnam would buy, most likely in the field of maritime surveillance.
Vietnam has suddenly become more important to Washington as the United States and China are increasingly at loggerheads over the South China Sea, one of the world’s most vital trading routes. Vietnam is crucial because of its strategic position bordering China, its large population of nearly 100 million and its long coastline on that sea.
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