China's top diplomat has pledged to work with Vietnam to repair ties ruptured by disputes over the South China Sea.
State Councilor Yang Jiechi was quoted as telling Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh during their talks today that the two sides should "properly address and control maritime differences" to create favorable condition for bilateral cooperation.
Yang's visit came a day after US Assistant Secretary of State Tom Malinowski visited Hanoi and called for closer ties between the two former foes.
Diplomatic activity with Vietnam has increased since China deployed an oil rig in waters Vietnam claims and since the US decided to resume arms sales to Vietnam.
The oil dig deployment in May plunged Vietnam-China ties to their lowest point in years.
