U.S. Aircraft Carrier Arrives in Vietnam to Support Against China

A United States aircraft carrier arrived in Da Nang on Sunday, June 25, following Vietnam's protests against Chinese ships crossing its territorial waters. The arrival of the USS Ronald Reagan at Da Nang coincided with the tenth anniversary of the strategic partnership between the United States and Vietnam. The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi announced that the aircraft carrier was escorted into the port by two cruisers, the USS Antietam and the USS Robert Smalls. U.S. Navy officials shook hands with their Vietnamese counterparts after disembarking from the aircraft carrier and participated in a brief ceremony. The commander of the USS Ronald Reagan stated that over five thousand sailors on board are eager to visit Da Nang and learn about Vietnamese culture. The United States and Vietnam have close trade relations and both are concerned about China's growing power in the region. A research vessel, several coast guard ships, and Chinese fishing boats had been present in Vietnam's exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea for several weeks and ultimately left the waters of the country in late June following a request from the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry. Despite the opposition of other countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia, Beijing claims ownership of a significant portion of the South China Sea. The U.S. President's trip to Japan for the G7 summit, calls for Beijing to cease provocative actions in the South China Sea, tensions between China and Taiwan, and the Biden administration's efforts to counter China's increasing influence are also highlighted.