DANANG, Vietnam: A US aircraft carrier arrived in Vietnam on Monday for the first time since the end of the war, as the former foes bolster military ties in the face of Beijing’s build-up in the disputed South China Sea. But ongoing tensions in the South China Sea loom over the trip as Beijing continues to build artificial islands capable of hosting military installations—much to the chagrin of Vietnam and other claimants to the sea. Vietnam remains the most vocal claimant in the region after the Philippines backed off under China-friendly President Rodrigo Duterte. Though US ships have regularly docked in Vietnam in the past, this is the first time an aircraft carrier will make a port call to the country. The visit includes friendly basketball and soccer matches between US sailors and locals, along with an orphanage visit and navy band concerts.

Source: Manila Times March 05, 2018 06:56 UTC