US Seeks to Broaden Vietnam Defense Ties as Trade Talks Drag On

The US seeks to expand and deepen its defense relationship with Vietnam, according to Washington’s top envoy to the nation, as the two sides continue to hammer out details of a trade deal.

“I think defense trade you’re going to see is increasingly a major feature of our two countries’ ties,” US Ambassador Marc Knapper said in Hanoi on Saturday. “We share an interest in a free and open South China Sea, we share an interest in peace and stability and prosperity in this region, and expect that to continue,” he said.