Context
Three American navy vessels were welcomed by ex-foe Vietnam on Friday for joint training. Vietnamese and US officials have said the seven-day ship trip and naval exercise are part of regular exchanges. However, the visit did send a clear message that the US navy is still a maritime force to reckon with in the region and is committed to develop stronger military relations with smaller countries in South Asia. The two navies are due to hold exercises involving damage control and navigation along with salvage and dive training. There won’t be any live-fire drills.
