Mike Pompeo

The Friends of the Mekong meeting focuses discussion on human resource development, digital economy, sustainable water, natural resource management, and environmental protection.

The two top diplomats agreed to boost the cooperation on the basis of mutual respect for mutual interest.

Vietnam considers the US one of the most important partners on the basis of respect for each other's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political systems.

Pompeo's Vietnam visit had not been included in an initial Asia tour announced earlier by the US Department of State.

Vietnam’s top diplomat said ASEAN wants all countries around the world and those in the region to make constructive contributions, supporting and promoting peace and stability of Southeast Asia.

The vision of freedom of navigation in Pacific waters was promoted to challenge China's assertiveness in the South China Sea.

The remarkable transformation of the US-Vietnam relationship is a testament to those who worked to overcome the past and build a better future for both our peoples, said Mike Pompeo.

Hanoi has stated that all activities in the South China Sea need to strictly abide by international law, respect sovereignty, sovereign right and jurisdiction of concerned parties in waters defined in UNCLOS 1982.

Many countries and partners in the world share the US’ new assessments of China, but they all have refrained from siding in any official alliance led by the US against China.

Pompeo's wording indicates Washington's hard stance on China's maritime claims over South China Sea.