ABOARD THE USS GEORGE WASHINGTON: Less than a week after China launched its first aircraft carrier, the US has showed off its own big-boy supercarrier to former enemy Vietnam. The visit comes as smaller Asian nations become more jittery amid BeijingÂ’s burgeoning maritime ambitions.| Rather amazing when you think about it. Nothing like a nasty neighbor to make a country to turn to a former enemy. Too bad Kissinger never thought to try this. |
ItÂ’s the second such visit to the US NavyÂ’s carrier in as many years and a symbol of the former foesÂ’ warming military ties. But SaturdayÂ’s visit also came amid heated tensions between China and its Asian neighbors.