Dangling F-16s before Vietnam to muddy South China Sea dangerous

Over the past month, officials from the United States and Vietnam have held extensive talks and negotiations for the largest-ever arms sale, including of F-16 fighter jets, to Vietnam.

The deal is still in its early stages, with many specific terms yet to be finalized. Whether it can be concluded depends, to a large extent, on Hanoi.

The reason why the US is providing F-16s to Vietnam is very clear: to strengthen Vietnam's military in the South China Sea and Southeast Asia and increase its ability to balance China, so as to reduce its own cost of confronting China in the region. Vietnam also hopes to get advanced military equipment from the US, especially advanced fighter jets, to diversify its weapons imports and ensure its national security.