Vietnam has invited India to take part in the ASEAN virtual summit that will take place from November 13&nbsp;to 15.

Hanoi, which is the chair of the ASEAN for 2020 has invited all 10 dialogue partners for the annual summit.&nbsp;10 dialogue partner of ASEAN are&nbsp;Australia, Canada, China, India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Russia, the United States, and the European Union.

India has increased its engagement with ASEAN and earlier this year, new ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2021-2025) was adopted. Last year,&nbsp;India&nbsp;launched 1,000 doctoral fellowships for ASEAN students at Indian institutes of technology which will help in the development of ASEAN’s human capital.

The summit which happens in the backdrop of COVID-19 crisis and Chinese aggressiveness is bound to be the focal point of the world's attention. This especially since, the Quad foreign ministers in recent&nbsp;meet had reaffirmed ASEAN centrality in the Indo pacific construct.

Last year Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had travelled to Thailand in November for the ASEAN summit.&nbsp;

Vietnam has invited India to take part in the ASEAN virtual summit that will take place from November 13 to 15. Hanoi, which is the chair of the ASEAN for 2020 has invited all 10 dialogue partners for the annual summit.

Vietnam has invited India to take part in the ASEAN virtual summit that will take place from November 13 to 15. Hanoi, which is the chair of the ASEAN for 2020 has invited all 10 dialogue partners for the annual summit. 10 dialogue partner of ASEAN are Australia, Canada, China, India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Russia, the United States, and the European Union. India has increased its engagement with ASEAN and earlier this year, new ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2021-2025) was adopted. Last year, India launched 1,000 doctoral fellowships for ASEAN students at Indian institutes of technology which will help in the development of ASEAN’s human capital. The summit which happens in the backdrop of COVID-19 crisis and Chinese aggressiveness is bound to be the focal point of the world's attention. This especially since, the Quad foreign ministers in recent meet had reaffirmed ASEAN centrality in the Indo pacific construct. Last year Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had travelled to Thailand in November for the ASEAN summit.

Vietnam invites India for ASEAN virtual summit in November

Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga is in Vietnam amid Chinese aggression in South China sea. The two countries have reached on agreements to strengthen security and economic ties.

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Japanese, Vietnam PMs agree on importance of peace

Eleven soldiers are dead and a frantic search is under way for 11 others after a huge landslide hit central Vietnam on Sunday, as the country battles its worst flooding in years.

Heavy rain has pounded the region for more than a week and at least 64 people have been killed in floods and landslides, according to Vietnam's disaster management authority, with concerns mounting that waters could rise further.

Rocks rained down on the barracks of a military station in Quang Tri province, with 22 soldiers believed to have been buried underneath thick mud, an official government website said.

"From 2am, there have been four to five landslides, exploding like bombs and it feels like the whole mountain is about to collapse," said local official Ha Ngoc Duong, according to the VnExpress news site.

Lieutenant General Phan Van Giang, the army's chief of general staff, warned there could be further landslides in the area and said rescuers needed to find a safer way to access the site.

Eleven bodies have been recovered so far, the government said.

It comes just days after 13 members of a rescue team were found dead after a failed attempt to save workers from a hydropower plant engulfed by a landslide.

The bodies of two employees at the plant have been found but 15 are still missing.

River levels in Quang Tri had reached their highest in two decades, state media said. The disaster management authority raised its risk alert warning to the second highest level on Sunday, warning of further flooding and landslides.

Vietnam is prone to natural disasters and regularly suffers more than a dozen storms each year, often bringing flooding and landslides.

More than 130 people were reported dead or missing in natural disasters around the country last year, the General Statistics Office said.

Cambodia has also been hit by heavy flooding and the death toll there jumped to 20 on Saturday, including six children, according to disaster management authorities.

Eleven soldiers are dead and a frantic search is under way for 11 others after a huge landslide hit central Vietnam on Sunday, as the country battles its worst flooding in years.

Eleven soldiers are dead and a frantic search is under way for 11 others after a huge landslide hit central Vietnam on Sunday, as the country battles its worst flooding in years. Heavy rain has pounded the region for more than a week and at least 64 people have been killed in floods and landslides, according to Vietnam's disaster management authority, with concerns mounting that waters could rise further. Rocks rained down on the barracks of a military station in Quang Tri province, with 22 soldiers believed to have been buried underneath thick mud, an official government website said. "From 2am, there have been four to five landslides, exploding like bombs and it feels like the whole mountain is about to collapse," said local official Ha Ngoc Duong, according to the VnExpress news site. Lieutenant General Phan Van Giang, the army's chief of general staff, warned there could be further landslides in the area and said rescuers needed to find a safer way to access the site. Eleven bodies have been recovered so far, the government said. It comes just days after 13 members of a rescue team were found dead after a failed attempt to save workers from a hydropower plant engulfed by a landslide. The bodies of two employees at the plant have been found but 15 are still missing. River levels in Quang Tri had reached their highest in two decades, state media said. The disaster management authority raised its risk alert warning to the second highest level on Sunday, warning of further flooding and landslides. Vietnam is prone to natural disasters and regularly suffers more than a dozen storms each year, often bringing flooding and landslides. More than 130 people were reported dead or missing in natural disasters around the country last year, the General Statistics Office said. Cambodia has also been hit by heavy flooding and the death toll there jumped to 20 on Saturday, including six children, according to disaster management authorities.

Eleven soldiers dead, 11 missing in Vietnam after second big landslide in days

At least 18 people died and more than a dozen went missing after floods submerged homes in central Vietnam and rough seas capsized fishing boats.

Authorities meanwhile said Monday that another storm was threatening fresh downpours -- rolling in from the South China Sea, with heavy rain again expected.

Quang Tri and Quang Nam villages were entirely submerged under water, while murky floodwaters swept through the Imperial City of Hue and the tourist hotspot Hoi An over the weekend.

More than a hundred thousand homes have been submerged in the floods and nearly 46,000 people evacuated, Vietnam's disaster management authority said.

The military staged a dramatic helicopter rescue of eight fishermen who had been swept away by rough seas off Quang Tri province.

Among the dead are three fishermen, however, and three others are missing.

Vietnam is frequently lashed by harsh weather in the rainy season between June and November, with central coast areas most vulnerable.

At least 18 people died and more than a dozen went missing after floods submerged homes in central Vietnam and rough seas capsized fishing boats. Authorities meanwhile said Monday that another storm was threatening fresh downpours -- rolling in from the South China Sea, with heavy rain again expected.

At least 18 people died and more than a dozen went missing after floods submerged homes in central Vietnam and rough seas capsized fishing boats. Authorities meanwhile said Monday that another storm was threatening fresh downpours -- rolling in from the South China Sea, with heavy rain again expected. Quang Tri and Quang Nam villages were entirely submerged under water, while murky floodwaters swept through the Imperial City of Hue and the tourist hotspot Hoi An over the weekend. More than a hundred thousand homes have been submerged in the floods and nearly 46,000 people evacuated, Vietnam's disaster management authority said. The military staged a dramatic helicopter rescue of eight fishermen who had been swept away by rough seas off Quang Tri province. Among the dead are three fishermen, however, and three others are missing. Vietnam is frequently lashed by harsh weather in the rainy season between June and November, with central coast areas most vulnerable.

Floods, rough seas kill 18 in Vietnam

&nbsp;India is investigating imports of copper tubes and pipes from Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand, to determine whether producers in these countries were receiving unfair subsidies, the government said.

The investigation by India's Directorate General of Trade Remedies, the investigative arm of the commerce ministry, could result in these imports facing countervailing duties.

The probe covers imports shipped between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020.

"The Authority has also received the import data of customs of the subject goods during the past four years which indicate increased imports mainly from Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam collectively account for more than 90% of total imports of subject goods," the circular said.

In a statement to Reuters, the Vietnamese foreign ministry said Vietnam strictly adhered to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

"Trade issues between Vietnam and India should be considered objectively, fairly and transparently in accordance with WTO rules, and bilateral and multilateral trade agreements that the two countries both joined," the ministry's spokeswoman said in the statement.

Calls to two Vietnam-based companies named in the Indian investigation were not answered.

India is investigating imports of copper tubes and pipes from Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand, to determine whether producers in these countries were receiving unfair subsidies, the government said.

India is investigating imports of copper tubes and pipes from Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand, to determine whether producers in these countries were receiving unfair subsidies, the government said. The investigation by India's Directorate General of Trade Remedies, the investigative arm of the commerce ministry, could result in these imports facing countervailing duties. The probe covers imports shipped between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020. "The Authority has also received the import data of customs of the subject goods during the past four years which indicate increased imports mainly from Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam collectively account for more than 90% of total imports of subject goods," the circular said. In a statement to Reuters, the Vietnamese foreign ministry said Vietnam strictly adhered to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. "Trade issues between Vietnam and India should be considered objectively, fairly and transparently in accordance with WTO rules, and bilateral and multilateral trade agreements that the two countries both joined," the ministry's spokeswoman said in the statement. Calls to two Vietnam-based companies named in the Indian investigation were not answered.

India opens dumping probe on Malaysia, Vietnam, Thai copper tube, pipe imports

Police in Vietnam have confiscated an estimated 345,000 used&nbsp;condoms which had been cleaned and resold as new, state media reported.

Footage broadcast by state-owned Vietnam Television (VTV) this week showed dozens of large bags containing the used contraceptives scattered across the floor of a warehouse in the southern province of Binh Duong.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-coronavirus-triggering-a-shortage-of-condoms-289086">Is coronavirus triggering a shortage of condoms?</a>

Police said the bags weighed over 360 kilograms (794 lbs), equivalent to 345,000&nbsp;condoms, according to VTV.

The owner of the warehouse said they had received a "monthly input of used&nbsp;condoms from an unknown person," state newspaper Tuoi Tre reported.

A woman detained during the bust told police that the used prophylactics were first boiled in water then dried and reshaped on a wooden phallus before being repackaged and resold.

VTV said it was not clear how many of the recycled&nbsp;condoms had already been sold. The detained woman said she had received $0.17 for every kilogramme of recycled&nbsp;condoms she produced.

Neither she nor the owner of the warehouse were available for comment.

Police in Vietnam have confiscated an estimated 345,000 used condoms which had been cleaned and resold as new, state media reported. Footage broadcast by state-owned Vietnam Television (VTV) this week showed dozens of large bags containing the used contraceptives scattered across the floor of a warehouse in the southern province of Binh Duong.

Police in Vietnam have confiscated an estimated 345,000 used condoms which had been cleaned and resold as new, state media reported. Footage broadcast by state-owned Vietnam Television (VTV) this week showed dozens of large bags containing the used contraceptives scattered across the floor of a warehouse in the southern province of Binh Duong. Also read: Is coronavirus triggering a shortage of condoms? Police said the bags weighed over 360 kilograms (794 lbs), equivalent to 345,000 condoms, according to VTV. The owner of the warehouse said they had received a "monthly input of used condoms from an unknown person," state newspaper Tuoi Tre reported. A woman detained during the bust told police that the used prophylactics were first boiled in water then dried and reshaped on a wooden phallus before being repackaged and resold. VTV said it was not clear how many of the recycled condoms had already been sold. The detained woman said she had received $0.17 for every kilogramme of recycled condoms she produced. Neither she nor the owner of the warehouse were available for comment.

Vietnam police busts racket of 'recycled condoms' being resold on sale

September 2 in history: Vietnam gains independence, Tibetan Parliament's first election and more

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WION Playlist: Lotus Silk, new fashion fabric of Vietnam

Vietnam on Wednesday accused China of violating its sovereignty by conducting military drills in a disputed part of the South China Sea and said Beijing's actions were "complicating" negotiations on establishing a code of conduct in the region.

China this week began six days of exercises in waters near the Paracel Islands, where Vietnam has competing claims, according to the Maritime Safety Administration of Hainan, an island off China's southern coast. It was the second set of drills in the area by Beijing in two months.

"China's repeated military exercises in (the Paracel Islands) violate Vietnam's sovereignty, complicating negotiations for a Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea between China and ASEAN," foreign ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-china-sea-beijing-making-key-navy-base-in-the-disputed-territory-323247">Also read|&nbsp;South China Sea: Beijing making key navy base in the disputed territory</a>

Vietnam is this year chairing the 10-member Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), which has had long-drawn-out negotiations with Beijing over a code of conduct in the South China Sea.

China's defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-making-claims-in-south-china-sea-but-we-cannot-go-to-war-says-mahathir-mohamad-to-wion-318909">Also read | China making claims in South China Sea but we cannot go to war, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION</a>

At a June 26 summit in Hanoi, Vietnam and the Philippines - China's most vocal challengers over the sea - warned of growing regional insecurity amid concern that Beijing was advancing territorial claims under the cover of the COVID-19 pandemic.

China claims historical jurisdiction over about 80 per cent of the sea, using a U-shaped "nine-dash line" that includes swathes of Vietnam's exclusive economic zone, or EEZ, as well as the Paracel Islands and the Spratly Islands. It also overlaps the EEZs of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Vietnam and the Philippines last month criticised China's holding of an earlier set of military drills in the area.

The United States in June also hardened its position on the South China Sea, where it has accused China of attempting to build a "maritime empire" in the potentially energy-rich waters.

Vietnam on Wednesday accused China of violating its sovereignty by conducting military drills in a disputed part of the South China Sea and said Beijing's actions were "complicating" negotiations on establishing a code of conduct in the region.

Vietnam on Wednesday accused China of violating its sovereignty by conducting military drills in a disputed part of the South China Sea and said Beijing's actions were "complicating" negotiations on establishing a code of conduct in the region. China this week began six days of exercises in waters near the Paracel Islands, where Vietnam has competing claims, according to the Maritime Safety Administration of Hainan, an island off China's southern coast. It was the second set of drills in the area by Beijing in two months. "China's repeated military exercises in (the Paracel Islands) violate Vietnam's sovereignty, complicating negotiations for a Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea between China and ASEAN," foreign ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said in a statement. Also read| South China Sea: Beijing making key navy base in the disputed territory Vietnam is this year chairing the 10-member Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), which has had long-drawn-out negotiations with Beijing over a code of conduct in the South China Sea. China's defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Also read | China making claims in South China Sea but we cannot go to war, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION At a June 26 summit in Hanoi, Vietnam and the Philippines - China's most vocal challengers over the sea - warned of growing regional insecurity amid concern that Beijing was advancing territorial claims under the cover of the COVID-19 pandemic. China claims historical jurisdiction over about 80 per cent of the sea, using a U-shaped "nine-dash line" that includes swathes of Vietnam's exclusive economic zone, or EEZ, as well as the Paracel Islands and the Spratly Islands. It also overlaps the EEZs of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. Vietnam and the Philippines last month criticised China's holding of an earlier set of military drills in the area. The United States in June also hardened its position on the South China Sea, where it has accused China of attempting to build a "maritime empire" in the potentially energy-rich waters.

Vietnam condemns new Chinese military drills in South China Sea

India has invited Vietnam to part of its Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative or IPOI that was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during last year's East Asia Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.&nbsp;

Increasing trade connectivity- maritime transport and Maritime security are among the 7 key pillars of the initiative. Other 5 are-- Maritime ecology, maritime resources, capacity building and resource sharing, disaster risk reduction and management, science, technology and academic cooperation.

The invitation was extended during the 17th India-Vietnam Joint Commission Meeting led by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Vietnam's foreign minister Pham Binh Minh.&nbsp;

A statement by the ministry of external affairs said, “India and Vietnam agreed to enhance their bilateral cooperation in line with India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and the ASEAN’s Outlook on Indo-Pacific to achieve shared security, prosperity and growth for all in the region."

Invitation to Vietnam comes even as both New Delhi and Hanoi deal with an aggressive China. While Bejing's ties with India deteriorated after Galwan face-off, Vietnam has raised alarm after Chinese intrusion into its exclusive economic zone.&nbsp;

Both sides have increased engagement in the last few years with a high-level visit such as the visit of Vietnam's President to India and Indian PM visit to Vietnam. India and Vietnam will serve concurrently as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council in 2021.

India has invited Vietnam to part of its Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative or IPOI that was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during last year's East Asia Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.

India has invited Vietnam to part of its Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative or IPOI that was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during last year's East Asia Summit in Bangkok, Thailand. Increasing trade connectivity- maritime transport and Maritime security are among the 7 key pillars of the initiative. Other 5 are-- Maritime ecology, maritime resources, capacity building and resource sharing, disaster risk reduction and management, science, technology and academic cooperation. The invitation was extended during the 17th India-Vietnam Joint Commission Meeting led by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Vietnam's foreign minister Pham Binh Minh. A statement by the ministry of external affairs said, “India and Vietnam agreed to enhance their bilateral cooperation in line with India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and the ASEAN’s Outlook on Indo-Pacific to achieve shared security, prosperity and growth for all in the region." Invitation to Vietnam comes even as both New Delhi and Hanoi deal with an aggressive China. While Bejing's ties with India deteriorated after Galwan face-off, Vietnam has raised alarm after Chinese intrusion into its exclusive economic zone. Both sides have increased engagement in the last few years with a high-level visit such as the visit of Vietnam's President to India and Indian PM visit to Vietnam. India and Vietnam will serve concurrently as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council in 2021.

Amidst Chinese aggressiveness, India invites Vietnam to be part of Indo Pacific Oceans initiative

The Malaysian coast guard shot dead a Vietnamese fisherman whose boat tried to ram a patrol vessel in the South China Sea, an official said Monday.

The incident took place inside Malaysian waters, where local fisherman have complained in the past about Vietnamese fishing boats that damage their nets.

Coast guard chief Zubil Mat Som told AFP that two Vietnamese fishing boats had entered Malaysian waters some 80 nautical miles from Tok Bali, off the northeastern state of Kelantan late Sunday.

"The coastguard crew had earlier fired warning shots in the air but after they rammed and threw a bottle of petrol, my men had no choice but to open fire in self defence," he said.

Zubil alleged the Vietnamese crew had thrown petrol and a tyre to try and set fire to the coast guard boat, which was damaged by the "aggressive ramming".

One Vietnamese fisherman suffered gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead after he was brought to shore.

"We are saddened by this deadly incident. But I can guarantee... my men took this action to protect their lives and to protect our national sovereignty," Zubil added.

The Vietnamese boats with the remaining 20 crew members were towed to the coast guard jetty.

Parts of the South China Sea are subject to rival claims by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam, while Beijing claims the entire waterway.

The rival claims to the sea, which straddles vital shipping lanes and covers rich fishing grounds, makes it a potential flashpoint for conflict.

China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations -- where four claimants are members of -- are currently in talks for a code of conduct in the area.

While not a claimant, the United States has been sending freedom of navigation patrols in international waters, but China has slammed these as interference in regional affairs.

In February, Kuala Lumpur sought to secure a deal with Hanoi to end alleged intrusions into Malaysian waters by Vietnamese vessels.

The Malaysian coast guard shot dead a Vietnamese fisherman whose boat tried to ram a patrol vessel in the South China Sea, an official said Monday. The incident took place inside Malaysian waters, where local fisherman have complained in the past about Vietnamese fishing boats that damage their nets.

The Malaysian coast guard shot dead a Vietnamese fisherman whose boat tried to ram a patrol vessel in the South China Sea, an official said Monday. The incident took place inside Malaysian waters, where local fisherman have complained in the past about Vietnamese fishing boats that damage their nets. Coast guard chief Zubil Mat Som told AFP that two Vietnamese fishing boats had entered Malaysian waters some 80 nautical miles from Tok Bali, off the northeastern state of Kelantan late Sunday. "The coastguard crew had earlier fired warning shots in the air but after they rammed and threw a bottle of petrol, my men had no choice but to open fire in self defence," he said. Zubil alleged the Vietnamese crew had thrown petrol and a tyre to try and set fire to the coast guard boat, which was damaged by the "aggressive ramming". One Vietnamese fisherman suffered gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead after he was brought to shore. "We are saddened by this deadly incident. But I can guarantee... my men took this action to protect their lives and to protect our national sovereignty," Zubil added. The Vietnamese boats with the remaining 20 crew members were towed to the coast guard jetty. Parts of the South China Sea are subject to rival claims by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam, while Beijing claims the entire waterway. The rival claims to the sea, which straddles vital shipping lanes and covers rich fishing grounds, makes it a potential flashpoint for conflict. China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations -- where four claimants are members of -- are currently in talks for a code of conduct in the area. While not a claimant, the United States has been sending freedom of navigation patrols in international waters, but China has slammed these as interference in regional affairs. In February, Kuala Lumpur sought to secure a deal with Hanoi to end alleged intrusions into Malaysian waters by Vietnamese vessels.

Malaysia coast guard kill Vietnamese fisherman in South China Sea clash

Vietnam recorded its first coronavirus death on Friday as the pandemic rebounds in a country that had previously been praised for stubbing out the contagion.

The patient, a 70-year-old man, died in the central city of Hoi An nearly three weeks after being admitted to hospital with serious underlying conditions, according to state media.

The communist nation was applauded earlier this year for controlling COVID-19 with strict restrictions on movement, extensive quarantine measures and a robust track-and-trace regime.

But an outbreak over the weekend in the beach resort of Danang, near Hoi An, has put the country back on high alert.

Health officials on Friday also announced the country's highest single daily caseload since the pandemic began.

"Elite medical experts" have been mobilised to help tamp down the outbreak in Danang, Doctor Tran Nhu Duong, deputy head of the National Institute of Epidemiology, told state TV as news of the first death emerged.

They will join "around 1,000 people including military men" heading to the the epicentre of the latest cluster, a city that had been bursting with domestic tourists until authorities announced the virus had made a comeback.

Before the weekend Vietnam had not recorded a locally transmitted infection for nearly 100 days.

But since then nearly 100 people who had travelled to Danang have tested positive across the country, leaving health authorities scrambling to snuff out the outbreak.

MAKESHIFT HOSPITAL

The number of "infected people increased at a record figure" with 45 new cases, said the Suc Khoe Doi Song newspaper, a health ministry mouthpiece.

The patients aged between 27 and 87 were all being treated at or were employed at Danang's hospitals, or were their relatives, it added.

State media said a makeshift hospital was being set up at a Danang sports centre in anticipation of the outbreak worsening.

Flights in and out of Danang and public transport within the city have already been suspended, and the majority of its 1.1 million inhabitants have been advised to remain at home.

At least 21,000 people are undergoing rapid-test swabs for the virus in the capital Hanoi after travelling to Danang. Similar tests were also conducted in business hub Ho Chi Minh City for returnees from Danang.

Bars have been closed in nearby Hue, while tourism is suspended in historic Hoi An.

Vietnam has won praise for its handling of the virus -- reporting just 509 infections in total, including those from the new wave, and until Friday no deaths despite sharing a long border with China.

Earlier this month state media trumpeted the survival of a British pilot who spent more than two months on life support in Vietnam with the virus.

Stephen Cameron, 42, was the sickest patient medics have had to treat during the coronavirus outbreak and was given just a 10 percent chance of survival.

 
&nbsp;

Vietnam recorded its first coronavirus death on Friday as the pandemic rebounds in a country that had previously been praised for stubbing out the contagion. The patient, a 70-year-old man, died in the central city of Hoi An nearly three weeks after being admitted to hospital with serious underlying conditions, according to state media.

Vietnam recorded its first coronavirus death on Friday as the pandemic rebounds in a country that had previously been praised for stubbing out the contagion. The patient, a 70-year-old man, died in the central city of Hoi An nearly three weeks after being admitted to hospital with serious underlying conditions, according to state media. The communist nation was applauded earlier this year for controlling COVID-19 with strict restrictions on movement, extensive quarantine measures and a robust track-and-trace regime. But an outbreak over the weekend in the beach resort of Danang, near Hoi An, has put the country back on high alert. Health officials on Friday also announced the country's highest single daily caseload since the pandemic began. "Elite medical experts" have been mobilised to help tamp down the outbreak in Danang, Doctor Tran Nhu Duong, deputy head of the National Institute of Epidemiology, told state TV as news of the first death emerged. They will join "around 1,000 people including military men" heading to the the epicentre of the latest cluster, a city that had been bursting with domestic tourists until authorities announced the virus had made a comeback. Before the weekend Vietnam had not recorded a locally transmitted infection for nearly 100 days. But since then nearly 100 people who had travelled to Danang have tested positive across the country, leaving health authorities scrambling to snuff out the outbreak. MAKESHIFT HOSPITAL The number of "infected people increased at a record figure" with 45 new cases, said the Suc Khoe Doi Song newspaper, a health ministry mouthpiece. The patients aged between 27 and 87 were all being treated at or were employed at Danang's hospitals, or were their relatives, it added. State media said a makeshift hospital was being set up at a Danang sports centre in anticipation of the outbreak worsening. Flights in and out of Danang and public transport within the city have already been suspended, and the majority of its 1.1 million inhabitants have been advised to remain at home. At least 21,000 people are undergoing rapid-test swabs for the virus in the capital Hanoi after travelling to Danang. Similar tests were also conducted in business hub Ho Chi Minh City for returnees from Danang. Bars have been closed in nearby Hue, while tourism is suspended in historic Hoi An. Vietnam has won praise for its handling of the virus -- reporting just 509 infections in total, including those from the new wave, and until Friday no deaths despite sharing a long border with China. Earlier this month state media trumpeted the survival of a British pilot who spent more than two months on life support in Vietnam with the virus. Stephen Cameron, 42, was the sickest patient medics have had to treat during the coronavirus outbreak and was given just a 10 percent chance of survival.

Vietnam records first coronavirus death as pandemic rebounds

Vietnam reintroduced social distancing measures in the central city of Danang on Sunday after the country reported four locally transmitted coronavirus cases over the past two days, the first in more than three months.

The Southeast Asian country was back on high alert after the government on Saturday confirmed its first community infection since April, and another case early on Sunday, both in the tourism hot spot of Danang.

The two new cases included a 17-year-old boy in Quang Ngai province and a 71-year-old woman in Danang, the government said late on Sunday, bringing the total number of reported cases in the country to 420.

Authorities gave no further detail on how the new infections were contracted nor whether they were believed to be linked.

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The city`s social distancing measures would come into force until further notice, the government said on its website. 
Danang will stop receiving inbound tourists for 14 days and all religious, sports and cultural events will be suspended.

Wearing masks in public places in the city is now compulsory and gatherings of more than 30 people at public places are banned, the government said.

The detection of the new cases, which come as Vietnam seeks to revive its economy and resume international commercial flights, has prompted authorities to step up a crackdown on illegal immigrants.

State media said dozens of migrants from China have been detected in Danang over recent days.

Thanks to strict quarantine measures and an aggressive and widespread testing programme, Vietnam has kept its virus total to an impressively low level with no deaths.

Vietnam reintroduced social distancing measures in the central city of Danang on Sunday after the country reported four locally transmitted coronavirus cases over the past two days, the first in more than three months.

Vietnam reintroduced social distancing measures in the central city of Danang on Sunday after the country reported four locally transmitted coronavirus cases over the past two days, the first in more than three months. The Southeast Asian country was back on high alert after the government on Saturday confirmed its first community infection since April, and another case early on Sunday, both in the tourism hot spot of Danang. The two new cases included a 17-year-old boy in Quang Ngai province and a 71-year-old woman in Danang, the government said late on Sunday, bringing the total number of reported cases in the country to 420. Authorities gave no further detail on how the new infections were contracted nor whether they were believed to be linked. Also read: Bus crash kills 13 on high school reunion trip in Vietnam The city`s social distancing measures would come into force until further notice, the government said on its website. Danang will stop receiving inbound tourists for 14 days and all religious, sports and cultural events will be suspended. Wearing masks in public places in the city is now compulsory and gatherings of more than 30 people at public places are banned, the government said. The detection of the new cases, which come as Vietnam seeks to revive its economy and resume international commercial flights, has prompted authorities to step up a crackdown on illegal immigrants. State media said dozens of migrants from China have been detected in Danang over recent days. Thanks to strict quarantine measures and an aggressive and widespread testing programme, Vietnam has kept its virus total to an impressively low level with no deaths.

Vietnamese city reimposes distancing after first local infections in months

A man was sentenced to eight years in prison on Tuesday in Vietnam for “anti-state” posts made on his Facebook account.

"Opposing the state"

According to the country’s security ministry, the man, Nguyen Quoc Duc Vuong, 29, is facing the charges of “making, storing, spreading, information, materials, items for the purpose of opposing the state”. His trial lasted for just one day in the province of Lam Dong.

The Communist Party, which rules Vietnam, heavily censors the media and has been unaccepting of criticism.

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As per the charge, Vuong had live-streamed 110 hours worth of videos, and had written 366 posts on Facebook targeting Ho Chi Minh, the founding leader of Vietnam. Additionally, he was also spreading “anti-state propaganda”,.

AFP reported that Vuong pled not guilty to the charge and claimed to have simply been voicing his personal views. However, the court ascertained that he was a “danger to society”.

"Outrageous"

The Human Rights Watch’s Deputy Asia Director Phil Robertson hit out at the move and called it “outrageous and unacceptable”.

"Vietnam must recognise that expressing political views contrary to Communist Party line should not be a crime," he added in a digital statement.

You might also like:&nbsp;<a href="/opinions-blogs/vietnam-has-reported-no-coronavirus-deaths-how-293853" hreflang="en">Vietnam has reported no coronavirus deaths – how?</a>

Besides his eight-year-long sentence, Vuong will have to undergo three years of house arrest after completing the jail term.

Reuters reported that arrests of activists in the country have shot up over the last year, attributing it to the upcoming party congress in 2021.

Just yesterday, on July 6, the government had jailed three people for over seven years citing attempts to overthrow the Communist Party.

(With inputs from AFP &amp; Reuters)

A man was sentenced to eight years in prison on Tuesday in Vietnam for “anti-state” posts made on his Facebook account. "Opposing the state" According to the country’s security ministry, the man, Nguyen Quoc Duc Vuong, 29, is facing the charges of “making, storing, spreading, information, materials, items for the purpose of opposing the state”.

A man was sentenced to eight years in prison on Tuesday in Vietnam for “anti-state” posts made on his Facebook account. "Opposing the state" According to the country’s security ministry, the man, Nguyen Quoc Duc Vuong, 29, is facing the charges of “making, storing, spreading, information, materials, items for the purpose of opposing the state”. His trial lasted for just one day in the province of Lam Dong. The Communist Party, which rules Vietnam, heavily censors the media and has been unaccepting of criticism. You might also like: Vietnam opens world's 'first' gold-plated hotel As per the charge, Vuong had live-streamed 110 hours worth of videos, and had written 366 posts on Facebook targeting Ho Chi Minh, the founding leader of Vietnam. Additionally, he was also spreading “anti-state propaganda”,. AFP reported that Vuong pled not guilty to the charge and claimed to have simply been voicing his personal views. However, the court ascertained that he was a “danger to society”. "Outrageous" The Human Rights Watch’s Deputy Asia Director Phil Robertson hit out at the move and called it “outrageous and unacceptable”. "Vietnam must recognise that expressing political views contrary to Communist Party line should not be a crime," he added in a digital statement. You might also like: Vietnam has reported no coronavirus deaths – how? Besides his eight-year-long sentence, Vuong will have to undergo three years of house arrest after completing the jail term. Reuters reported that arrests of activists in the country have shot up over the last year, attributing it to the upcoming party congress in 2021. Just yesterday, on July 6, the government had jailed three people for over seven years citing attempts to overthrow the Communist Party. (With inputs from AFP & Reuters)

'Danger to society': Vietnam jails man for 8 years citing Facebook posts critical of government

The new division of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) -- the Development Partnership Administration (DPA IV) has emerged as the nodal point when it comes to dealing with heritage restoration projects undertaken by the Indian Government across the globe. It hence plays an important role in the restoration of cultural heritage in several countries across the region from Sri Lanka to Myanmar to Vietnam to Bhutan.

DPA IV, created in January 2020, aims to put all the stakeholders on the same page when it comes to the mammoth task of dealing with projects which New Delhi is helping restore across the world. The overarching aim is to revive and display India’s cultural and heritage linkages with other countries.

In Southeast Asia, the focus is on Myanmar, Lao, Cambodia and Vietnam. In Myanmar, conservation of earthquake-damaged Pagodas at Bagan is underway. In Lao, restoration of Vat Phou Shiva temple in Lao is being carried out in two stages. Vat Phou Shiva is Lord Shiva temple dating back to 5th and 6th century AD and predates the famous Angkor Wat. The water from the spring behind the temple is considered to be sacred. The second phase of the project began in November, 2018 and shall continue until 2028. &nbsp;

In Cambodia, India has committed to carry out the restoration of the ancient temple of “Preah Vihar” built during the period of the Khmer Empire.

In Vietnam, India is restoring, “My Son group of temples” which are regarded as one of the prime Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia. The temple complex was built in the 9th century AD under the reign of King Indravarman II. During the restoration work, the Archaeological Survey of India made a discovery of the monolithic sandstone Shiv Linga.&nbsp;

In fact, India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar had tweeted on it, calling the discovery "Reaffirming a civilisational connect" and "A great cultural example of India’s development partnership."

In South Asia, India is restoring temples and monasteries in Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal. In Sri Lanka, India has restored Thirukeeteswaram Temple in Mannar and official handing over ceremony is expected to happen very soon. In Bhutan significant projects like the restoration of Rigsum Goenpa Lhakhang, Lingzhi Dzong Conservation Project, Construction of Sarpang Dzong and Wangdiphodrang Dzong Reconstruction is being undertaken. &nbsp;

In Nepal, renovation of nine sites of historical places in and around Lalitpur District, Shree Pal Ewam Namgyal Monastic, Choonup in Mustang District, Harihar Bhawan, Kathmandu, Balmiki Campus of Nepal Sanskrit University, Kathmandu and rehabilitation of East and West Bhagmati Ghats at Pashupatinath Temple are some of the many projects being carried out.

The Ministry of External Affairs has completed over 49 projects all around the globe which includes cultural and heritage restoration projects in Malaysia, Mongolia, Bahrain, Israel, Turkestan, France, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Indonesia, Africa and other CMLV countries--Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam.

The DPA IV division also plans to promote restoration and revival of Intangible Cultural Heritage like language, rituals, practices, performing and other fine arts in an institutional manner. This is expected to be broadened to scripture preservation and digitization of manuscripts.&nbsp;

India had in 1986 sent teams of Archaeological Survey of India for the restoration of “Angkor Wat”. Other examples of India's restoration include temple complex at “Ta Prohm” in Cambodia.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The new division of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) -- the Development Partnership Administration (DPA IV) has emerged as the nodal point when it comes to dealing with heritage restoration projects undertaken by the Indian Government across the globe.

The new division of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) -- the Development Partnership Administration (DPA IV) has emerged as the nodal point when it comes to dealing with heritage restoration projects undertaken by the Indian Government across the globe. It hence plays an important role in the restoration of cultural heritage in several countries across the region from Sri Lanka to Myanmar to Vietnam to Bhutan. DPA IV, created in January 2020, aims to put all the stakeholders on the same page when it comes to the mammoth task of dealing with projects which New Delhi is helping restore across the world. The overarching aim is to revive and display India’s cultural and heritage linkages with other countries. In Southeast Asia, the focus is on Myanmar, Lao, Cambodia and Vietnam. In Myanmar, conservation of earthquake-damaged Pagodas at Bagan is underway. In Lao, restoration of Vat Phou Shiva temple in Lao is being carried out in two stages. Vat Phou Shiva is Lord Shiva temple dating back to 5th and 6th century AD and predates the famous Angkor Wat. The water from the spring behind the temple is considered to be sacred. The second phase of the project began in November, 2018 and shall continue until 2028. In Cambodia, India has committed to carry out the restoration of the ancient temple of “Preah Vihar” built during the period of the Khmer Empire. In Vietnam, India is restoring, “My Son group of temples” which are regarded as one of the prime Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia. The temple complex was built in the 9th century AD under the reign of King Indravarman II. During the restoration work, the Archaeological Survey of India made a discovery of the monolithic sandstone Shiv Linga. In fact, India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar had tweeted on it, calling the discovery "Reaffirming a civilisational connect" and "A great cultural example of India’s development partnership." In South Asia, India is restoring temples and monasteries in Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal. In Sri Lanka, India has restored Thirukeeteswaram Temple in Mannar and official handing over ceremony is expected to happen very soon. In Bhutan significant projects like the restoration of Rigsum Goenpa Lhakhang, Lingzhi Dzong Conservation Project, Construction of Sarpang Dzong and Wangdiphodrang Dzong Reconstruction is being undertaken. In Nepal, renovation of nine sites of historical places in and around Lalitpur District, Shree Pal Ewam Namgyal Monastic, Choonup in Mustang District, Harihar Bhawan, Kathmandu, Balmiki Campus of Nepal Sanskrit University, Kathmandu and rehabilitation of East and West Bhagmati Ghats at Pashupatinath Temple are some of the many projects being carried out. The Ministry of External Affairs has completed over 49 projects all around the globe which includes cultural and heritage restoration projects in Malaysia, Mongolia, Bahrain, Israel, Turkestan, France, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Indonesia, Africa and other CMLV countries--Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam. The DPA IV division also plans to promote restoration and revival of Intangible Cultural Heritage like language, rituals, practices, performing and other fine arts in an institutional manner. This is expected to be broadened to scripture preservation and digitization of manuscripts. India had in 1986 sent teams of Archaeological Survey of India for the restoration of “Angkor Wat”. Other examples of India's restoration include temple complex at “Ta Prohm” in Cambodia.

MEA's new division spearheading restoration of temples, pagodas in Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Vietnam

The world's first self-proclaimed gold-plated hotel is open for business and the Vietnamese owners insist they have the Midas touch despite the cramping of global travel during the pandemic. Watch report.

Your Story: Have you ever heard of a 'gold plated hotel'? | Vietnam

Stay at this luxurious gold-plated hotel in Vietnam for $250 a night

The world's first self-proclaimed gold-plated hotel is open for business in Vietnam -- and the owners insist they have the Midas touch despite the cramping of global travel during the coronavirus pandemic.

The "Dolce Hanoi Golden Lake" hotel costs $200 million to construct with a 24-carat plating across lobbies, an infinity pool and rooms with even cutlery, cups, shower heads and toilet seats receiving the golden treatment. Coffee for the guests comes in a gold cup and bath time is taken in gilded splendour.

A gold-plated infinity pool overlooks the city, while meals at the 25-storey hotel in downtown Hanoi may be mixed with a mysterious "gold substance". So far, the smattering of customers appear to be delighted with Hanoi's flashiest new digs.&nbsp;

While expensive for Vietnam, at $250 a night it is not prohibitive for wealthy locals craving a few nights living like Donald Trump, the US President renowned for his love of all things that glitter.&nbsp;

<img alt="Gilty pleasure" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="84019e96-411e-42d3-81b0-ef8de099e554" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/vietnam%20hotel%20afp%202.jpg" />

The hotel wants "ordinary people to the super rich... to check-in" both physically and on social media, said Nguyen Huu Duong, chairman of Hoa Binh group that owns the hotel.

"Our group has a factory that can do gold-plated stuff, so the cost for our equipment and furniture here is quite cheap," Duong said.

And the pandemic which has strafed global tourism has not put him off opening, with Vietnam winning praise for its swift lockdown which has contained the coronavirus spread. "For sure next year, we will make money," he added.

The world's first self-proclaimed gold-plated hotel is open for business in Vietnam -- and the owners insist they have the Midas touch despite the cramping of global travel during the coronavirus pandemic.

The world's first self-proclaimed gold-plated hotel is open for business in Vietnam -- and the owners insist they have the Midas touch despite the cramping of global travel during the coronavirus pandemic. The "Dolce Hanoi Golden Lake" hotel costs $200 million to construct with a 24-carat plating across lobbies, an infinity pool and rooms with even cutlery, cups, shower heads and toilet seats receiving the golden treatment. Coffee for the guests comes in a gold cup and bath time is taken in gilded splendour. A gold-plated infinity pool overlooks the city, while meals at the 25-storey hotel in downtown Hanoi may be mixed with a mysterious "gold substance". So far, the smattering of customers appear to be delighted with Hanoi's flashiest new digs. While expensive for Vietnam, at $250 a night it is not prohibitive for wealthy locals craving a few nights living like Donald Trump, the US President renowned for his love of all things that glitter. The hotel wants "ordinary people to the super rich... to check-in" both physically and on social media, said Nguyen Huu Duong, chairman of Hoa Binh group that owns the hotel. "Our group has a factory that can do gold-plated stuff, so the cost for our equipment and furniture here is quite cheap," Duong said. And the pandemic which has strafed global tourism has not put him off opening, with Vietnam winning praise for its swift lockdown which has contained the coronavirus spread. "For sure next year, we will make money," he added.

Vietnam opens world's 'first' gold-plated hotel

Amid concern from global regulators that some Pakistan pilots may have been using "dubious" licences, Vietnam's aviation authority said on Monday it had grounded all South Asia nation's pilots working for local airlines.

Amid concern from global regulators that some Pakistan pilots may have been using "dubious" licences, Vietnam's aviation authority said on Monday it had grounded all South Asia nation's pilots working for local airlines. Pakistan said last week it will ground 262 airline pilots whose credentials may have been falsified, after global airlines body IATA said that irregularities found in pilot licences at Pakistan International Airlines represent a "serious lapse" in safety controls. "The head of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has ordered a suspension for all Pakistani pilots working for Vietnamese airlines," Reuters report said quoting the CAAV's statement. The suspension will be in effect until further notice from CAAV, it said, adding that the authority is coordinating with Pakistani authorities to review the pilots' profiles. Vietnam had licensed 27 Pakistani pilots, and 12 of them were still active, while the other 15 pilots' contracts had expired or were inactive due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to the CAAV. Of the 12 active pilots, 11 were working for budget airlines Vietjet Aviation and one for Jetstar Pacific, a unit of the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines. Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways were not using any pilots from Pakistan, the CAAV said. Vietnamese airlines currently have 1,260 pilots, with nearly half of them holding foreign citizenship, according to the CAAV. (With inputs from Reuters)

Vietnam grounds Pakistan pilots after IATA's concern over irregularities in pilot licences

Vietnam's aviation authority has grounded all Pakistani Pilots working for local airlines amid concerns from global regulators that some Pakistani Pilots may have been using fake licenses. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: Pakistani Pilots accused of using fake licenses | Vietnam

Stuck at home during a three-month lockdown in Hanoi, and troubled by the unfolding news of a pandemic all around her, 10-year-old Nguyen Doi Chung Anh decided to pick up her coloured pencils and set to work expressing her feelings about what she was seeing.

Vietnamese girl, 10, sketches hopes for brighter future with pandemic artwork

Thousands of fans poured into stadiums in Vietnam on Friday as the country resumed top-flight soccer without social distancing

COVID-19: Over 30,000 fans at Nam Dinh stadium watch pro soccer league

Thousands of fans poured into stadiums in Vietnam on June 5 as the country resumed top-flight soccer without social distancing measures or curbs on crowd sizes, owing to its success in cThousands of fans poured into stadiums in Vietnam on June 5 as the country resumed top-flight soccer without social distancing measures or curbs on crowd sizes, owing to its success in combating the spread of the novel coronavirus. ombating the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Vietnam restarts soccer league with packed crowds: Fans flock stadiums without restrictions

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