China hopes warming US-Vietnam ties will aid regional peace, stability after America lifts arms embargo against former foe

China said on Monday it hopes developing ties between the United States and Vietnam would be conducive to regional peace and stability after the US ended its embargo on trade in lethal arms with Vietnam.

The United States has completely lifted the embargo on trade in arms with Vietnam, President Barack Obama said in Hanoi earlier on Monday, an overture that should enable an old foe to boost its defences at a time of rising South China Sea tension.

Obama said the sale of arms would depend on Vietnam’s human rights commitments.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying made the remarks on China’s hopes for US-Vietnamese ties when asked about the lifting of the arms embargo.

China resents US efforts to forge stronger military bonds with its neighbours amid rising tension in the disputed South China Sea.