Title:

 Vietnam wins U.S. defense pledges as tension with China grows

Author:

Eric Beech

Source:

Reuters

Date:

August 9, 2017 

Description:

WASHINGTON/HANOI (Reuters) - Vietnam has won the promise of a visit from a U.S. aircraft carrier and deeper defense cooperation from the United States as strains show with China over the disputed South China Sea. Within Southeast Asia, Vietnam has become an increasingly lonely voice in challenging Chinese claims to the vast majority of the waterway and was forced to suspend some offshore oil drilling last month after pressure from Beijing.