US Under Secretary of State David Hale affirmed that Washington is committed to peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. 
US Under Secretary of State David Hale and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh at the 74 session of the UN General Assembly. Photo: VGP
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Washington has benefits in the maintenance of peace and security in the region in accordance with rules-based international order, ensuring the freedom of maritime and air navigation, David Hale said at a meeting with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh.
He said the US is committed to defending and enhancing these shared values, adding that Washington and Hanoi would promote the multifaceted bilateral ties with high-ranking exchange visits, regular consultations at all levels in bilateral and multilateral forums, local media reported.
In turn, Minh suggested the two sides should promote dialogues, especially at high levels and deepen cooperation in trade, investment, security, and defense in regional and international affairs as well.
The two diplomats held some talks on the sidelines of the high-level General Debate of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly which is taking place in New York.
Tension in the South China Sea flared up after a Chinese survey ship and armed escorts first entered Vietnamese territorial waters in early July.
The Chinese ships have been harassing Vietnam’s oil operations within Vietnam's exclusive economic zone near Vietnam’s Bai Tu Chinh (Vanguard Bank) in Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands, in the southern continental shelf of Vietnam.
Chinese aggression has caught international criticism, mainly the US. In different statements and regional forums, US State Secretary Mike Pompeo blamed Chinese “coercion” and called on Beijing to stop bullying tactics in the South China Sea.
The US Department of Defense in late August said it was greatly concerned by China’s coercive interference in Vietnam's longstanding oil and gas activities in the South China Sea.
The Pentagon said China, by maintaining bullying tactics, will not win the trust and respect of international community.
