Middle East

US gives Vietnam more patrol boats as defense links grow

The US handed over six patrol boats and equipment worth $12 million to the Vietnamese coast guard, the embassy in Hanoi said Monday, as the former foes continue to boost political and defense links.

Vietnam and the United States have become staunch allies in recent years as China exerts influence in the hotly contested South China Sea.

The latest military deal saw the US transfer six 45-foot (14-metre) Metal Shark patrol boats to counterparts on the central coastline of Khanh Hoa on March 29.

It was the third handover in a four-tier deal and marks “another important step in the continued security cooperation between the United States and Vietnam,” the embassy said.

The latest delivery brings the number of ships handed over to Vietnam to 18, and there will be 24 in total.

The previous tranche of boats arrived a year ago and followed a historic visit of a US aircraft carrier, the first since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975.

Vietnam Coast Guard Colonel Nguyen Minh Khanh said the transfer marks “another milestone and evidence of the continued friendship between the US and Vietnam.”

The boats will be used to combat trafficking, piracy, illegal fishing and other maritime law enforcement, the statement said.

Vietnam has long been at odds with Beijing over the South China Sea and is keen to flex its military might by strengthening military ties with the US and other powerful allies.Read More – Source

[contf]
[contfnew]

alarabiya

[contfnewc]
[contfnewc]

Related Articles

Middle East

Israel PM ‘flew to Saudi Arabia for secret talks with crown prince’

bbc– Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly flew to Saudi Arabia on...

Middle East

Lebanon’s unfinished revolution: One year after protests, change has yet to come

Issued on: 21/10/2020 – 12:18Modified: 21/10/2020 – 14:28 It's been one year...

Middle East

Israel lauds UAE delegation visit as ‘making history’, Palestinians deem it ‘shameful’

Issued on: 20/10/2020 – 14:27 In an historic first visit by a...

Middle East

Iran rules out weapons ‘buying spree’ as UN embargo is set to expire

Issued on: 18/10/2020 – 07:42 Iran said it was self-reliant in its...