"Biden's Potential Arms Deal with Vietnam Raises Tensions with China"

The Biden administration is engaged in discussions with Vietnam for a potential arms deal, which could be the largest in history between the two countries. The deal, which is still in its early stages, could involve the sale of American F-16 fighter jets to Vietnam as tensions rise with China in the disputed South China Sea. The United States is considering special financing terms to help Vietnam move away from its reliance on Russian-made arms. A major arms deal between the US and Vietnam could provoke China, Vietnam's larger neighbor, and complicate the delicate balancing act of Vietnam's defensive capabilities. The Biden administration aims to balance geopolitical competition with China while responsibly managing the relationship between the two superpowers.