Pentagon chief says US seeks deeper military ties with Vietnam

ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth walks with his staff prior to a ministerial lunch at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defense Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. Dita Alangkara/Pool via REUTERS

Source: Pool

Washington wants deeper military cooperation with Vietnam, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Sunday during a visit to Hanoi, where he is set to meet leaders of the Southeast Asian nation.

Speaking ahead of a meeting with Defence Minister Phan Van Giang, Hegseth said Washington's military ties with Vietnam have involved the delivery of three cutters to the Vietnamese coastguard and three T-6 trainer aircraft, from an order of 12.

"The United States is committed to continuing these projects and more," Hegseth said, adding that the United States supported a strong and independent Vietnam.

"Deeper cooperation will benefit both of our countries."

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This article was produced by Reuters news agency. It has not been edited by Global South World.

By Reuters