Vietnam's Sovereignty: A Decision Only It Can Make – U.S. Official

Daniel Kritenbrink, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, emphasized during his visit to Hanoi that Vietnam alone should decide how to safeguard its sovereignty and advance its interests. His visit follows a controversial trip by Russian President Vladimir Putin, which drew U.S. criticism.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink on Saturday said during a visit to Hanoi that only Vietnam can decide how best to safeguard its sovereignty and advance its interests.

"We continue to believe that the U.S.-Vietnam partnership has never been stronger," Kritenbrink said at an on-the-record media briefing for selected media, a recording of which was reviewed by Reuters.

Kritenbrink arrived in Hanoi on Friday on the heels of a visit to Vietnam by Russian President Vladimir Putin that was sharply criticised by Washington.