Admiral Robert Willard, chief of the US military’s Pacific Command, has arrived in Vietnam for talks with senior military officials on rescue and relief assistance, Vietnam News Agency reported.

He would also exchange views on regional security and cooperation in English-language training, it said.

But speaking at a press conference in Hanoi Monday, Willard mentioned US concerns over China’s naval buildup in the East Sea where China, Vietnam, and several other Southeast Asian nations claim sovereignty over all or part of archipelagos there.

"We do not take sides on any competing sovereignty claims," he said, reiterating a statement made by Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

He said China's increased maritime "assertiveness" in the sea and "increasing encounters" with neighbors in the region is a growing concern for the US.

The US’ policy is that the East Sea is vital not only to those countries in the region but also to all other nations with economic and security interests in Asia, he said.

The US believes it is essential to maintain "stability, freedom of navigation, and free and unhindered economic development" in the sea, and objected to "any effort to intimidate US firms or those of any nation engaged in legitimate economic activity."

Willard will wrap up his five-day visit Thursday.

(Tuoitrenews)