US not trying to impose its form of government and disputes with China must be resolved peacefully, US president says.
The US is not trying to impose its form of government on Vietnam and territorial disputes in the South China Sea have to be "resolved peacefully", President Barack Obama has said during a three-day visit to the country.
In a speech at the National Convention Centre in Hanoi on Tuesday, Obama also called for better human rights that would boost the country's economy, stability and regional power, for opening a new chapter in their relations and for helping both countries to move on from a history of war four decades ago.
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The US and Vietnam have drawn closer together through their mutual concern at China's increasing assertiveness in the sea.
China claims almost all the South China Sea and has upset neighbours with a series of reclamation and construction projects - including airstrips - on reefs and islets.
Vietnam and four other countries also have claims to parts of the sea.
Freedom of navigation
The US takes no position on the competing territorial claims but asserts freedom of navigation and flights in the sea and has sent warships near Chinese-held islets."As we go forward the United States will continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows and we will support the right of all countries to do the same," Obama said.
