New Vietnam Ruling Could Open Door To Further Exports

The State Department officials acknowledged that the definition of maritime security will likely include aircraft. And for a US industrial base that is hoping for foreign sales to boost profits amid domestic budget cuts, Vietnam could represent a goldmine, said Richard Aboulafia of the Teal Group.

"There is a very high degree of inevitably that one day Vietnam will be a major US defense equipment market, and for quite a few years they've been heading in that direction," Aboulafia said. "Once again, the No. 1 promoter of the US cause, in terms of diplomacy, military cooperation and defense sales, is Beijing."