Gates in Hanoi Notes the Friendly Ties of Old Foes

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates says Asian territorial disputes should be resolved by international diplomacy.

Gates addressed students at Vietnam National University on Monday. He marveled at the friendly relations between the U.S. and Vietnam a generation after the Vietnam War. And he made an indirect reference to support the U.S. is offering Vietnam in its dispute with much larger China over an island chain.

Gates says such issues are best handled by several nations working together.

China views American commentary on Pacific island disputes as meddling.