The United States abolished its ban on selling lethal weapons to Vietnam. Such a move is likely to lead to an escalation of tensions between China and its neighbors in the South China sea.

This step will be announced by US President Barack Obama during his visit to Hanoi on Monday, It will pave the way for Vietnam to import various technologies for protection, especially hardware.

Experts believe that Beijing will respond negatively to any situation, even improving the ability of Vietnam to resist Chinese ambitions in the South China sea.

"Most likely, they will consider this possible move by the United States to enhance Maritime awareness of Vietnam in the South China sea to counter the more aggressive ambitions of China in the disputed waters," said Murray hibert, senior Advisor and Deputy Director of Southeast Asia for Center for strategic and international studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C., on the eve of President Obama's visit.

China and Vietnam were the main actors in the struggle over territory in the South China sea, which China claims almost in its entirety. Even without lifting the ban on U.S. lethal weapons, Vietnam seeks to strengthen its naval forces.

Hanoi ready to acquire U.S. 75 boats for the coast guard in a deal worth $18 million with the support of the United States. Despite the warming of bilateral between Vietnam and the United States in military circles still exist some suspicion and tension. "This feeling of suspicion is not new - it
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