CNN reports that “the U.S. says it is lifting its ban on sales of lethal arms to Vietnam — a move that is likely ruffle Beijing’s feathers and lead to an escalation in tensions between China and its neighbors in the South China Sea, according to defense and regional experts.”  

“The move, announced by U.S. President Barack Obama during his visit to Hanoi Monday, would open the way for Vietnam to import a variety of U.S. defense technology, especially maritime capabilities and hardware.
Scholars believe Beijing would react negatively to any situation that improved Vietnam’s ability to resist Chinese ambitions in the South China Sea.”  

“Scholars believe Beijing would react negatively to any situation that improved Vietnam’s ability to resist Chinese ambitions in the South China Sea.”