DAVID ALEXANDER/REUTERS
U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter pledged $18 million on Sunday to help Vietnam buy U.S. patrol boats while urging Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries to give up its reclamation projects in the South China Sea. Those would include Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter is on a three-day visit to Vietnam to deepen
military cooperation between the two former foes. (Photo: Tran Van Minh/AP)
Carter, who has been focusing on maritime security during an 11-day trip to the Asia-Pacific, visited the Vietnamese navy headquarters and coast guard headquarters before boarding the ship.
Carter said Washington would provide $18 million to help Vietnam buy U.S.-made Metal Shark patrol boats to help Hanoi improve its maritime defense capabilities.
Carter said that he will urge Vietnam to give up its reclamation projects in the South China Sea, making a direct plea after earlier calling for all countries in the Asia-Pacific region to halt the construction of artificial islands.
Chinaõs rapidly expanding building projects have raised tensions and caused concerns among the United States and its regional partners.
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http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/31/us-vietnam-usa-defense-idUSKBN0OG0NB20150531
