Pivotal Vietnam balances U.S. and China amid Trump uncertainty


Former head of the National Boundary Commission of Vietnam Tran Cong Truc poses for a photo in front of Vietnam map during an interview with Reuters in Hanoi, Vietnam May 16, 2017. REUTERS/Kham

HANOI (Reuters) - Vietnam could hardly have asked for more: a U.S. warship challenging Chinese claims in the South China Sea, a meeting at the White House and six new coastal patrol boats.

All are signs of a U.S. commitment which Vietnam had feared was waning under President Donald Trump just as the Southeast Asian country has emerged as the most forceful opponent of China's claim to one of the world's most important seaways.

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