HANOI, Nov 20 (Reuters) - The United States announced on
Wednesday it will provide Vietnam with another coast guard
cutter for its growing fleet of ships, boosting Hanoi's ability
to patrol the South China Sea amid tensions with China.
U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper disclosed the decision
during an address in Vietnam, which has emerged as the most
vocal opponent in Asia of China's territorial claims in the
South China Sea.
In the same speech, Esper sharply criticized China.
"China's unilateral efforts to assert illegitimate maritime
claims threaten other nations' access to vital natural
resources, undermine the stability of regional energy markets,
and increase the risk of conflict," Esper told students at the
Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.