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."

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

By Reuters