Pentagon chief urges close ties with Vietnam amid prolonged arms supply talks
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Pentagon chief urges closer ties with Vietnam amid prolonged arms supply talks
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is on a visit to Hanoi. Vietnam relies heavily on Russian weapons and has been looking to diversify its arsenal. Talks with the United States, which lifted an arms embargo in 2016, gained momentum during the Biden administration but have not yet yielded any formal announcement on major items. Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules military transport planes are among the items to be discussed, sources say. One of the Vietnamese sources said the supply of U.S.-made helicopters could also be discussed. The possible purchase of two or three Chinook helicopters by Vietnam’s police was also under discussion, one of the sources said.
HANOI (Reuters) -The United States wants deeper military ties with Vietnam, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Sunday at the start of a visit to Hanoi, amid prolonged talks for the potential supply of military equipment to Washington’s former foe.
The Southeast Asian nation, which relies heavily on Russian weapons, has been looking to diversify its arsenal for years. Talks with the United States, which lifted an arms embargo in 2016, gained momentum during the Biden administration but have not yet yielded any formal announcement on major items.
“Deeper (military) cooperation will benefit both of our countries,” Hegseth, who arrived in the Vietnamese capital after meetings in Malaysia with Asian counterparts, said prior to meeting Defence Minister Phan Van Giang.
The United States had already delivered three cutters to the Vietnamese coastguard and three T-6 trainer aircraft, from an order of 12, and intended to do more, he added.
PLANES, HELICOPTERS UNDER DISCUSSION
In a statement, Vietnam’s defence ministry said both governments agreed to continue promoting security cooperation, including in areas such as defence.
It also praised the signing of an agreement on Friday to deepen cooperation on war legacy remediation, including for dioxin decontamination.
Talks on U.S. arms supplies are expected to dominate the agenda, according to two Vietnamese sources briefed on the matter.
Both mentioned Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules military transport planes among the items to be discussed. A U.S. official also confirmed C-130s would come up in the talks.
One of the Vietnamese sources said the supply of U.S. helicopters could also be discussed, specifically Lockheed Martin S-92s and Boeing Chinooks.
AIRPORT FOR CHINOOK HELICOPTERS
It was not clear if any deal or announcement would be made on Sunday, said the sources, who declined to be identified as the information was not public.
Boeing deferred questions on the matter to the two governments.
Vietnam’s government, the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin did not respond to requests for comment outside business hours.
Reuters reported last year on discussions for the sale of C-130 planes to Vietnam’s defence ministry, and in July on a preliminary deal on two S-92 helicopters after years of talks on the matter with its public security forces.
The possible purchase of two or three Chinook helicopters by Vietnam’s police was also under discussion, said one of the sources.
In December, a newspaper controlled by the police said a new airport under development near Hanoi would be suitable for Chinook CH-47D helicopters and other models.
The Chinook was the only aircraft mentioned in the report that is not being used by Vietnamese forces.
(Reporting by Francesco Guarascio and Phuong Nguyen in Hanoi; Additional reporting by Idrees Ali in Washington; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and David Holmes)
By Francesco Guarascio and Phuong Nguyen
Pentagon chief urges close ties with Vietnam amid prolonged arms supply talks
US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth said deeper military cooperation would benefit both countries. Vietnam’s Defence Ministry said both governments agreed to continue promoting security cooperation. Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules military transport planes among the items to be discussed. One of the Vietnamese sources said the supply of US helicopters could also be discussed, specifically Lockheed Martin S-92s and Boeing Chinooks. It was not clear if any deal or announcement would be made on Nov 2, said the sources, who declined to be identified as the information was not public. The South-east Asian nation, which relies heavily on Russian weapons, has been looking to diversify its arsenal.
US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth said deeper military cooperation would benefit both countries.
HANOI – The United States wants deeper military ties with Vietnam, said US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Nov 2 at the start of a visit to Hanoi amid prolonged talks for the potential supply of military equipment to Washington’s former foe.
Mr Hegseth was expected to meet Vietnam’s Communist Party chief To Lam, President Luong Cuong and Defence Minister Phan Van Giang, said a Vietnamese official briefed on the visit.
“Deeper (military) cooperation will benefit both of our countries,” Mr Hegseth, who arrived in the Vietnamese capital after meetings in Malaysia with Asian counterparts, said prior to meeting Mr Giang.
The United States had already delivered three cutters to the Vietnamese coast guard and three T-6 trainer aircraft, from an order of 12, and intended to do more, he added.
In a statement, Vietnam’s Defence Ministry said both governments agreed to continue promoting security cooperation, including in areas such as the defence industry.
Talks on US arms supplies are expected to dominate the agenda, according to the official and another Vietnamese source briefed on the matter.
Both mentioned Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules military transport planes among the items to be discussed. A US official also confirmed C-130s would come up in the talks.
One of the Vietnamese sources said the supply of US helicopters could also be discussed, specifically Lockheed Martin S-92s and Boeing Chinooks.
It was not clear if any deal or announcement would be made on Nov 2 , said the sources, who declined to be identified as the information was not public.
Boeing deferred questions on the matter to the two governments.
The Vietnamese government, the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin did not respond to requests for comment outside of business hours.
Planes, helicopters under discussion
The South-east Asian nation, which relies heavily on Russian weapons, has been looking to diversify its arsenal for years.
Talks with the US, which lifted an arms embargo in 2016, gained momentum during the Biden administration but have not yet yielded any formal announcement.
Reuters reported in 2024 on discussions for the sale of C-130 planes to Vietnam’s Defence Ministry, and in July, on a preliminary deal on two S-92 helicopters after years of talks on the matter with its public security forces.
The possible purchase of two or three Chinook helicopters by Vietnam’s police was also under discussion, said one of the sources.
Last December, a newspaper controlled by the police said a new airport under development near Hanoi would be suitable for Chinook CH-47D helicopters and other models.
The Chinook was the only aircraft mentioned in the report that is not being used by Vietnamese forces. REUTERS
Pentagon Chief Urges Closer Ties With Vietnam Amid Prolonged Arms Supply Talks
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Hanoi for talks on potential supply of military equipment. Vietnam relies heavily on Russian weapons and has been looking to diversify its arsenal. Talks with the United States lifted an arms embargo in 2016 but have not yet yielded any formal announcement on major items. Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules military transport planes among the items to be discussed, two Vietnamese sources said. Boeing Chinooks and Lockheed Martin S-92s could also be discussed in the talks, they said, but deferred questions on the matter to the two governments.. Vietnam’s defence ministry said both governments agreed to continue promoting security cooperation, including in areas such as defence.
HANOI (Reuters) -The United States wants deeper military ties with Vietnam, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Sunday at the start of a visit to Hanoi, amid prolonged talks for the potential supply of military equipment to Washington’s former foe.
The Southeast Asian nation, which relies heavily on Russian weapons, has been looking to diversify its arsenal for years. Talks with the United States, which lifted an arms embargo in 2016, gained momentum during the Biden administration but have not yet yielded any formal announcement on major items.
“Deeper (military) cooperation will benefit both of our countries,” Hegseth, who arrived in the Vietnamese capital after meetings in Malaysia with Asian counterparts, said prior to meeting Defence Minister Phan Van Giang.
The United States had already delivered three cutters to the Vietnamese coastguard and three T-6 trainer aircraft, from an order of 12, and intended to do more, he added.
PLANES, HELICOPTERS UNDER DISCUSSION
In a statement, Vietnam’s defence ministry said both governments agreed to continue promoting security cooperation, including in areas such as defence.
It also praised the signing of an agreement on Friday to deepen cooperation on war legacy remediation, including for dioxin decontamination.
Talks on U.S. arms supplies are expected to dominate the agenda, according to two Vietnamese sources briefed on the matter.
Both mentioned Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules military transport planes among the items to be discussed. A U.S. official also confirmed C-130s would come up in the talks.
One of the Vietnamese sources said the supply of U.S. helicopters could also be discussed, specifically Lockheed Martin S-92s and Boeing Chinooks.
AIRPORT FOR CHINOOK HELICOPTERS
It was not clear if any deal or announcement would be made on Sunday, said the sources, who declined to be identified as the information was not public.
Boeing deferred questions on the matter to the two governments.
Vietnam’s government, the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin did not respond to requests for comment outside business hours.
Reuters reported last year on discussions for the sale of C-130 planes to Vietnam’s defence ministry, and in July on a preliminary deal on two S-92 helicopters after years of talks on the matter with its public security forces.
The possible purchase of two or three Chinook helicopters by Vietnam’s police was also under discussion, said one of the sources.
In December, a newspaper controlled by the police said a new airport under development near Hanoi would be suitable for Chinook CH-47D helicopters and other models.
The Chinook was the only aircraft mentioned in the report that is not being used by Vietnamese forces.
(Reporting by Francesco Guarascio and Phuong Nguyen in Hanoi; Additional reporting by Idrees Ali in Washington; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and David Holmes)
Trump, Xi to make state visits to South Korea next week, Seoul security adviser says
U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will make state visits next week to South Korea. The country hosts Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) events. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung plans to hold summit meetings with Trump and Xi separately. South Korea and its major ally remain “sharply” apart on the level of cash investment as part of a $350 billion package pledged by South Korea under a deal to lower U.S.-South Korea tariffs, Seoul’s industry minister said on Friday. The two leaders are expected to discuss a deepening bilateral partnership and issues related to North Korea.
SEOUL, Oct 24 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will make state visits next week to South Korea when the country hosts Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) events, South Korea’s top security adviser said on Friday.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung plans to hold summit meetings with Trump and Xi separately, said Wi Sung-lac, South Korea’s presidential security adviser.
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“Through a series of summits between the leaders of South Korea and the United States, the United States and China, and South Korea and China, we will not only highlight South Korea’s role as a platform but also build consensus for peace, prosperity, and stability in the region,” Wi told reporters.
As part of a trip to Asia, Trump will meet Xi next week in South Korea, the White House said earlier, amid an escalation in trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
Wi said South Korea was hoping to move forward on issues surrounding security and U.S. tariffs at an upcoming meeting between Lee and Trump, but he was uncertain whether any agreement between the two sides would be reached.
South Korea and its major ally remain “sharply” apart on the level of cash investment as part of a $350 billion package pledged by South Korea under a deal to lower U.S. tariffs on the country’s exports, Seoul’s industry minister said on Friday.
Lee plans to hold a summit with Xi where the two leaders are expected to discuss a deepening bilateral partnership and issues related to North Korea, said top security adviser Wi.
Before the APEC meetings, Lee will make a two-day trip to Malaysia between October 26-27 to attend a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), also joined by Trump.
On the sidelines of the ASEAN summit, Lee will talk to Cambodia’s prime minister Hun Manet and discuss recent online scam issues.
“A super week of multilateral summits is kicking off, starting with the ASEAN Summit and continuing into the APEC Summit in Gyeongju,” Wi said.
Reporting by Ju-min Park; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman
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Obama tells Democrats to push back against Trump’s ‘lawlessness and recklessness’
Former President Barack Obama touts Democratic candidates for governor in two states. Obama urges voters in next week’s election to reject what he called the “lawlessness and recklessness” of President Donald Trump’s administration. Obama laid out a biting indictment of the Trump administration at rallies for Virginia gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger and New Jersey candidate Mikie Sherrill. Most polls show Sherrill with a single-digit lead over Republican Jack Ciatterelli, 63, a former state assemblyman making his third consecutive run for the governor’s seat. Democrats have a 2-to-1 edge in registered voters in New Jersey, and Donald Trump lost New Jersey by just six points in last year’s presidential election. The two-term president is still highly popular among Democrats.
Item 1 of 4 Former U.S. President Barack Obama points as he speaks during a campaign rally held by Democratic candidate for New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill in Newark, New Jersey, U.S., November 1, 2025. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
Summary Obama touts Democrats in Virginia, New Jersey governor’s races
Democrat enjoys big lead in Virginia, but New Jersey race is closer
Obama blasts Trump tariffs and use of National Guard in cities
Nov 1 (Reuters) – Former President Barack Obama touted Democratic candidates for governor in two states at campaign rallies on Saturday, urging voters in next week’s election to reject what he called the “lawlessness and recklessness” of President Donald Trump’s administration.
Obama, the two-term president still highly popular among Democrats, laid out a biting indictment of the Trump administration at rallies for Virginia gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger and New Jersey candidate Mikie Sherrill.
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“Let’s face it, our country and our policy are in a pretty dark place right now,” Obama told a roaring crowd of Spanberger supporters at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.
“It’s hard to know where to start.” he said, “because every day this White House offers people a fresh batch of lawlessness and recklessness and mean-spiritedness and just plain craziness.”
Obama blasted what he called Trump’s “shambolic” tariff policy and deployment of National Guard troops to U.S. cities. He criticized Republicans in Congress for failing to check Trump “even when they know he’s out of line.”
He said he was surprised at how quickly business leaders, law firms and universities opted to “bend the knee” to appease Trump.
Later Saturday at an event in Newark, New Jersey to support Sherrill, Obama struck many of the same themes as he continued his criticisms of the Trump White House. “It’s like every day is Halloween, except it’s all tricks and no treats,” Obama.
The former president occasionally dipped into sarcasm in mentioning Trump decisions such as remodeling parts of the White House even as a federal shutdown continues.
“In fairness he has been focused on some critical issues, like paving over the Rose Garden so folks don’t get mud on their shoes, and building a $300 million ballroom,” Obama said.
Polls show Spanberger, 46, with a sizable lead over the Republican candidate, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, 61. Spanberger, a former CIA officer, was a congresswoman for six years.
Most polls show Sherrill with a single-digit lead over Republican Jack Ciatterelli, 63, a former state assemblyman making his third consecutive run for the governor’s seat.
Republicans in New Jersey have been encouraged in recent years by some statewide races that were closer than expected. Although New Jersey Democrats have a 2-to-1 edge in registered voters, Ciatterelli lost by only three percentage points in the 2021 gubernatorial race, and Donald Trump lost New Jersey by just six points in last year’s presidential election.
Reporting by Joseph Tanfani and Helen Coster; Editing by Sergio Non and David Gregorio
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