US lifting arms sale ban to Vietnam, selling six spy planes

From Ang Malaya (Oct 1): US lifting arms sale ban to Vietnam, selling six spy planes

United States and Vietnam are serious in boosting defense ties. The US expressed its plan to lift arms sale ban to Vietnam. A plan Vietnam welcomed.

Le Hai Binh, Vietnam’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson said Vietnam welcomes moves that promotes ties between Vietnam and the U.S. to uphold peace, stability, and cooperation in the region and the world.

“It should be limited at first to those defensive capabilities such as coast guard and maritime systems that are purely for external security,” U.S. Senenator John McCain said.

The ban may be lifted towards the end of this year. Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh at the same time Foreign Affairs Minister of Vietnam will be at US before the week ends. Measures on the arms sale agreement might be a topic during the Minister’s US visit.

US is also expected to sell six spy planes to boost Vietnam’s territorial awareness and strengthen its capability to protect its coastal areas. Bihn is yet to get first hand information on the possible sale.

Amid strengthening of ties with US, Binh said, “With the independence and self-control principles of Vietnam’s diplomatic policy, every bilateral relation of Vietnam is not aimed at any third country.”

http://www.angmalaya.net/world/2014/10/01/4605-us-lifting-arms-sale-ban-to-vietnam-selling-six-spy-planes