Vietnam's defense minister says his country wants good and friendly relations with both the United States and China, and will not favor one over the other. The Friday edition of TuoI Tre newspaper quoted Gen. Phung Quang Thanh telling a group of lawmakers that Vietnam wants to have peace and stability so the country can develop. Thanh also told the National Assembly members Thursday that Vietnam wants to resolve disputes in the South China Sea through peaceful means. Relations between Vietnam and China plunged to their lowest point in years following the parking of a Chinese oil rig in disputed waters in the South China Sea last year. The U.S. has been deepening ties with Vietnam and others in a bid to counter China's growing influence in the region.
