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In this photo released by the Vietnam Coast Guard, a Chinese ship, left, shoots water cannon at a Vietnamese vessel, right, while a Chinese Coast Guard ship, center, sails alongside in the South China Sea, off Vietnam's coast, Wednesday, May 7, 2014. AP Photo/Vietnam Coast Guard
In this video image released by the Vietnam Coast Guard, Vietnamese surveillance ship crew members stand near the side of the ship, allegedly damaged after being rammed by a Chinese ship. AP Photo/Vietnam Coast Guard
U.S. President Barack Obama, left, speaks next to Philippine President Benigno Aquino III during a joint news conference at Malacanang Palace in Manila, Philippines, after signing a new defense pact with the Philippines on April 28. AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File
Military officers from the U.S., Philippines, Australia and others at the opening ceremony for the joint U.S.-Philippines military exercise dubbed Balikatan 2014 on May 5, 2014. AP Photo/Bullit Marquez
Last year, a Vietnamese man protested outside the White House during the visit of Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang. He demanded the U.S. recognize Vietnamese sovereignty over the Paracel and Spratly Islands. KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images