Vietnam 'torn' as embattled Putin visits

HO CHI MINH CITY -- Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Vietnam for a state visit that analysts are watching for a potential sanctions-defying arms deal and which the U.S. has slammed for allowing the leader to "promote" his war in Ukraine.

In Hanoi on Thursday, Putin is expected to discuss military, energy and trade relations rooted in the Cold War. Russia and Vietnam are both eager to show they have security alternatives to China and the U.S., several analysts told Nikkei Asia.