China woos Vietnam amid fears Obama’s visit will boost Washington’s military ties with Hanoi

Beijing has stepped up efforts to woo communist neighbour Hanoi just days before US President Barack Obama begins his first visit to Vietnam amid growing tensions over the South China Sea disputes.

After meeting Vietnam’s defence minister Ngo Xuan Lich on Thursday, the Chinese ambassador in Hanoi, Hong Xiaoyong, said both sides had agreed to strengthen military cooperation, Xinhua reported on Friday.

Analysts said the meeting appeared to be part of Chinese efforts to counter growing military ties between the United States and Vietnam and other nations in the region, especially in the lead-up to an international court ruling on the South China Sea disputes.

China, Vietnam vow to boost military ties amid strained relations over South China Sea

With economic and security cooperation high on his agenda, Obama’s visit, starting tomorrow, will almost certainly bring the two cold war foes closer and increase the US’ military presence in the region.

Analysts say Beijing is on high alert regarding closer defence ties between Washington and Hanoi as the Obama administration is considering lifting restrictions on arms sales and allowing Vietnam to buy lethal defence equipment for maritime security.

Vietnam is one of four members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations that have overlapping claims with China in the South China Sea.

Xinhua said Lichspoke highly of military cooperation between Beijing and Hanoi during the meeting and emphasised the significance of enhancing exchanges and cooperation between the two armies.