Pentagon chief vows to deepen ties with Vietnam
The United States wants deeper military ties with Vietnam, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Sunday at the start of a visit to Hanoi, amid prolonged talks for the potential supply of military equipment to Washington's former foe.
- Americas
- Agencies and A News
- Published Date: 09:19 | 02 November 2025
- Modified Date: 09:22 | 02 November 2025
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pledged to deepen ties with Vietnam as he met with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong in Hanoi, the country's capital, on Sunday.
Hegseth told Cuong that "Vietnam is of great significance to" US President Donald Trump, as the two countries marked 30 years of diplomatic relations this year.
"Our partnership and friendship have grown, and now it is a comprehensive strategic partnership. Our military relations and civilian relations are at the best level they've ever been," Hegseth said.
"I think we have a great deal of cooperation and friendship in front of us, and we come here to deepen that cooperation to ensure a stable, free, and secure Indo-Pacific that is mutually beneficial for the interests of both the United States and Vietnam," he added.
Hegseth arrived in Vietnam on Sunday after departing from Malaysia to hold meetings with Cuong and Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang.
He is expected to visit South Korea on Monday to hold a bilateral meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Ahn Gyu-back.
- US energy secretary says no 'mushroom cloud' expected from Trump's nuclear tests
- NYC mayoral candidate Cuomo says he will seek cooperation with Trump if elected
- China 'would never do anything' on Taiwan, 'know the consequences': Trump
- Americans worried about country’s direction, blame Trump for inflation: Poll