In Historic Move, US Lifts Arms Embargo on Vietnam

The United States will lift its embargo on the sale of lethal arms to Vietnam, President Barack Obama announced Monday. 

Obama revealed the new deal with Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang on the first day of his visit to the communist country. 

The historic move comes four decades after the end of the Vietnam War and illustrates a warming relationship between the U.S. and the Vietnam. The Obama administration softened the embargo two years ago, allowing Vietnam to defend itself against China's move to take more naval control in the South China Sea. 

Some see the total lifting of the embargo that had been in place since 1975 as a step in the right direction. Others, however,  see it as an indicator of deepening tensions with China. 

But during a press conference in Vietnam, Obama insisted the embargo lift "was not based on China or any other considerations. It was based on our desire to complete what has been a lengthy process of moving towards normalization with Vietnam."

But Chinese officials reacted negatively to the latest news, with China's state news service Xinhua accusing the U.S. of showing "no restraint in meddling in a regional situation." 

Tensions between Vietnam and China have risen in recent years after China has made several attempts to militarize the South China Sea. However, others who are wary of the new deal think the U.S. should spend more time pressuring Vietnam into protecting the basic human rights of its citizens. 

"President Obama is making this trip to deepen relations with Vietnam, but this must be based on a foundation of respect for basic rights," Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, told the Washington Post (ITALICS). 

"He should start by calling for the right of all people to stand for election, voice critical views of government, associate with others, and freely choose candidates – something Vietnam's current rulers have yet to allow," he said.

Obama said he hopes that all the differences in opinions and rising tensions will be resolved. 

"We are doing everything we can to promote that," he said.