The U.S. and Vietnam, as well as other nations in the region, also share a common interest in maritime security and freedom of access to the global commons. Ship visits provide ideal venues to continue and expand this cooperation. Two recent visits particularly demonstrate how far we’ve come. First was the visit of the USS Lassen in November 2009 -- a vessel commanded by a Vietnamese American. Then, earlier this year, in August, the USS John S. McCain visited DaNang. We’re pleased that Vietnam has sent observers to several regional Cooperation and Readiness Afloat exercises, and look forward to future participation.
The growing U.S.-Vietnamese partnership is not only important for the U.S. and Vietnam but for the region as a whole. Today, Asia is home to some of the most dynamic, rapidly evolving democratic nations in the world -- especially here in Southeast Asia. Southeast Asian nations sit astride key global trade routes, are home to a diverse ethnic and religious population, are playing a leading role in promoting Asian regional institutions, and, increasingly, are stepping forward as vital security partners on a range of regional and global challenges. This is why President Obama has made engagement with our Southeast Asian partners a priority of our policy in Asia.
China is not named, of course, but defending the global commons and noting global trade routes speaks of resisting China's attempts to incorporate the South China Sea into China's territorial waters as well as exploiting China's vulnerability to having their sea lines of supply cut.
Support China's foes, and we will have plenty of allies to resist Peking's ambitions.
