President Barack Obama on Monday announced the lifting of a longstanding arms embargo on Vietnam, part of his pivot towards Asia and the latest warming of relations with America's one-time foe.
Obama made the historic announcement at a press conference in Hanoi with Vietnam's President Tran Dai Quang — his first visit to the country.
"The United States is fully lifting the ban on sale of military equipment to Vietnam that's been in place for some 50 years," Obama said. "Sales will need to still meet strict requirements, including those on human rights, but this change ensures Vietnam has access to equipment it needs to defend itself."
Quang welcomed the announcement, saying his country "appreciates" the move. He hailed Obama's visit as a "crucial milestone" and expressed gratitude for the end of a "painful chapter."
Lifting the arms embargo — one of the last major vestiges of the Vietnam War era — is expected to anger China.
(NBC)
No comments:
Post a Comment