BEIJING, September 25. /TASS/. China hopes that cooperation between the US and Vietnam will not provoke an arms race in Asia, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a briefing, commenting on information about possible deliveries of US F-16 fighter jets to Vietnam.

"We hope that <…> relevant countries will observe basic norms governing international relations, abandon hegemonic and Cold War mentalities, refrain from stoking confrontation and spurring arms race, and not jeopardize regional peace, stability, development and prosperity," Wang Wenbin said.

On September 23, Reuters, citing American officials, reported that the US administration is negotiating to supply Vietnam with a large arms package, including F-16 fighter jets. According to the sources, the deal could be concluded some time in 2024.