VietNamNet Bridge – "Big nations should not bully smaller ones. Disputes should be resolved peacefully," US President Barack Obama told a 2,000 strong audience of young students, intellectuals and businesspeople while discussing the tense situation in the South China Sea, in his speech in Ha Noi yesterday, May 24.

President Obama delivers a speech in Ha Noi yesterday. - Photo Minh Son/VNA

The President’s speech came one day after he announced that the United States was lifting a decades-long weapons embargo on Viet Nam.

“Viet Nam will have greater access to the equipment it needs to improve its security," Obama said.

"Nations are sovereign, and no matter how large or small a nation may be, its territory should be respected."

As a peaceful resolution should be sought for the simmering South China Sea dispute involving Viet Nam and other countries, Obama also called for the continued strengthening of regional institutions like the ASEAN or the East Asia Summit.

“That’s the partnership the United States is offering the region.”

A senior student at the National Economics University, Phan Tram Anh, said she was very excited to finally get the chance to see and listen to President Obama.

“He knows a lot about the problems faced by Viet Nam,” Anh said.

“He is so amazing. I just hope I can listen to him more and learn from him.”

VNS