The United States has partially lifted a long-time ban on lethal weapon sales to Vietnam.
The move comes nearly 40 years after the end of the Vietnam War.
But it also comes at a time of heightened tensions in the South China Sea.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki says they've lifted the ban in an attempt to try to help Vietnam improve its maritime security.
"The State Department has taken steps to allow for the future transfer of maritime security-related defense articles to Vietnam. This policy supports Vietnam's efforts to improve its maritime domain awareness and maritime security capabilities.
US State Department officials say sales of any specific weapons would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Tensions in the South China Sea between Vietnam and China escalated earlier this year amid a dispute over Chinese oil drilling in a region claimed by both sides.
The two sides have since agreed to solve their dispute through a diplomatic approach.
