The visits uncovered “unsanitary conditions in bathroom facilities,” specifically “leaking raw sewage, non-functional toilets, and general disrepair..."
Vietnam has revved up South China Sea land reclamation efforts this year, beginning construction on eight previously untouched Spratly Islands features.
Despite U.S. interest in deeper military ties with Vietnam, the Nov. 2 visit by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did not yield an arms sales announcement.