Top US Military Officer in Vietnam for Historic Talks

Voice of America ^ | 8/14/14

[Enlightened1]

The United States’ top military officer is in Vietnam for historic talks with Communist Party officials, as part of the latest effort to expand defense ties between the two former foes.

General Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, meets Thursday in Hanoi with Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and Defense Minister Phung Quang Thanh.

Before entering a closed-door meeting, Dempsey told reporters the visit is “one of the highlights” of his career. It is the first time since 1971 a chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has visited Vietnam.

Vietnam’s defense ministry said the talks will focus on boosting military cooperation, with a focus on maritime security, search and rescue, and overcoming the legacy of war.

[Enlightened1]

Wow I never thought I would see the day...

What are we now trying to stop China?

[Baynative]

I thought this was going to be about John Kerry.

[LadyBuck]

Certainly not to bring home our remaining POWs...

[Enlightened1]

LOL!

[Enlightened1]

Exactly!

[skeeter]

Sent by Obama to apologize, or surrender then apologize?

[Gen.Blather]

“What are we now trying to stop China? “

I believe China has threatened all of it’s neighbors with its territorial intentions and physically with warships and aggressive air intrusions. That may result in a previously unthinkable alliance focused on containing China. Russia, meanwhile, has been driven into the Chinese camp. Though not in writing yet, the power balancing is beginning to resemble the interlocking security arrangements that endangered peace in 1914.

I would not be surprised to learn Korea and Japan are developing nuclear weapons because they feel Obama will not act in their defense. Due to the Obama administration’s bizarre behavior the world is infinitely more dangerous now than at any time since World War II.

How ironic that President Nobel Prize may be the cause of the next war. Recall that it was President Peanut who gave us today’s terrorism. What a legacy. Of course, if it does happen it will be President Bush’s fault.

[drypowder]

for a general and the chair of the Joint Chiefs, Martin Dempsey is right up there with a Rothchilds butler. I'm sure he kissed a lot of political ass to get those stars.

[Red Badger]

Didn’t they offer us the use of the old navy base at Dan Nang or Cam Ranh Bay when we lost our lease in the Phillipines?........................

[Enlightened1]

I have no idea?

[Enlightened1]

Oh yeah and agree 100%

[oh8eleven]

... to expand defense ties between the two former foes.
Sounds like the resurrection of SEATO (look it up) and partly responsible for getting us into VN.

[Don Corleone]

I thought this was going to be about John Kerry.

Me 2

[Regulator]

Bomb Hanoi

Mine the harbor at Haiphong

[larryjohnson]

It is the first time since 1971 a chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has visited Vietnam.
I last visited there in 1971

[Enlightened1]

I guess you were part of the Joint Chiefs staff?

I heard Hanoi is depressing compared to Saigon.... I mean Ho Chi Ming City.