This archive report was first published on 20 November 2019.
On November 20, 2019, the US reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Vietnam, a key Southeast Asian nation, amidst rising tensions in the South China Sea.
US Defence Secretary Mark Esper, who was confirmed in July 2019, announced the transfer of a new security ship to Vietnam during a tour of South Korea, Thailand, and the Philippines.
The move is seen as a strategic effort by the US to counter China's expanding influence in the region, particularly in the South China Sea, where Beijing has built military installations, rammed vessels, and sent survey ships into disputed territory.
China's actions in the South China Sea have been met with resistance from the US, which has conducted 'freedom of navigation' operations in the waters and held joint maritime drills with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations this year.
Esper stated that similar activities will continue, with the US maintaining a routine military presence in the South China Sea to demonstrate its commitment to the region.
He also emphasized that the US will 'fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows,' a stance that has been met with criticism from China.
China's Defence Ministry has urged the US to 'stop military provocation in the South China Sea,' while the US has handed over six patrol boats and equipment worth $12 million to Vietnam earlier this year.
The security vessel, which will be handed over next year, is the latest example of the deepening security and trade ties between the US and Vietnam, which restored diplomatic ties in 1995.
