Vietnam is celebrating 50 years of unification. North and South Vietnam were unified on the 30th of April 1975 when communist forces from North Vietnam entered Saigon City, marking the end of nearly two decade long civil war. Watch in for more details!

Vietnamese Celebrates 50 Years Since End Of Vietnam War With Festive Parade

In a significant gesture of spiritual diplomacy, India will send a sacred relic of the Buddha from Sarnath to Vietnam for exposition coinciding with the Vesak, marking the first such journey to the Southeast Asian nation. Organised by India&rsquo;s Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), the event shows the deep cultural and spiritual connect between the two countries, rooted in the shared heritage of Buddhism. Millions of devotees are expected to pay homage during the 20-day exposition.
The relic, excavated from Nagarjuna Konda in Andhra Pradesh and enshrined at Mulagandha Kuti Vihara in Sarnath, arrived at the National Museum in New Delhi on April 30, amidst prayers and chants. Abhijit Halder, Director General, International Buddhist Confederation, Vietnam Ambassador to India Nguyen Thanh Hai and Sri Lanka's acting high commissioner Priyanga Wickramasinghe were present when the sacred relics arrived. Housed in a protected enclosure, it will be open for meditation and veneration by Buddhist followers, including diplomats from Buddhist nations.
Speaking to WION, DG Abhijit Halder said, "Large number of Vietnamese come to India to various Buddhist sites, Sarnath, Bodh Gaya. This time when we take relics, we have a very unique occasion, we have UN Vesak in Ho Chi Minh City. 40,000 people across the world, from 100 countries will be converging, around that time we taking Holy relic from India."
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On May 1, the relic will be flown to Ho Chi Minh City aboard an Indian Air Force aircraft, escorted by senior monks and led by Kiren Rijiju, India&rsquo;s Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs. The IBC, a New Delhi-based organisation plays a key role in coordinating the entire exposition. A high-level IBC delegation, led by Secretary General Ven. Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, will accompany the relic and participate in Vesak celebrations. The relic will be venerated at key sites across Vietnam: Hanh T&acirc;m Monastery in Ho Chi Minh City (May 2&ndash;8), B&agrave; Đen Mountain in T&acirc;y Ninh Province (May 9&ndash;13), Qu&aacute;n Sứ Monastery in Hanoi (May 14&ndash;18), and Tam Ch&uacute;c Monastery in H&agrave; Nam Province (May 18&ndash;21). DG Halder explained, "It shows the strong historic bonds..."
Coinciding with the UN Day of Vesak, which celebrates the Buddha&rsquo;s birth, enlightenment, and passing, the exposition aligns with the theme &ldquo;Buddhist Approach to Unity and Inclusivity for Human Dignity.&rdquo; The IBC will also host three exhibitions in Vietnam, showcasing Jataka tales, Buddhist sculptures, and a comparative study of Indian and Vietnamese Buddhist artifacts. A highlight is the digital restoration of Ajanta Cave murals, including the 5th-century Bodhisattva Padmapani, presented in collaboration with the Prasad Pawar Foundation.
India has sent sacred Buddha relics abroad for exposition on several occasions, primarily to strengthen cultural and spiritual ties with Buddhist-majority countries. These include Thailand in 2024, Mongolia in 2022.

The relic, excavated from Nagarjuna Konda in Andhra Pradesh and enshrined at Mulagandha Kuti Vihara in Sarnath, arrived at the National Museum in New Delhi on April 30, amidst prayers and chants. India news | World

In a significant gesture of spiritual diplomacy, India will send a sacred relic of the Buddha from Sarnath to Vietnam for exposition coinciding with the Vesak, marking the first such journey to the Southeast Asian nation. Organised by India’s Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), the event shows the deep cultural and spiritual connect between the two countries, rooted in the shared heritage of Buddhism. Millions of devotees are expected to pay homage during the 20-day exposition. The relic, excavated from Nagarjuna Konda in Andhra Pradesh and enshrined at Mulagandha Kuti Vihara in Sarnath, arrived at the National Museum in New Delhi on April 30, amidst prayers and chants. Abhijit Halder, Director General, International Buddhist Confederation, Vietnam Ambassador to India Nguyen Thanh Hai and Sri Lanka's acting high commissioner Priyanga Wickramasinghe were present when the sacred relics arrived. Housed in a protected enclosure, it will be open for meditation and veneration by Buddhist followers, including diplomats from Buddhist nations. Speaking to WION, DG Abhijit Halder said, "Large number of Vietnamese come to India to various Buddhist sites, Sarnath, Bodh Gaya. This time when we take relics, we have a very unique occasion, we have UN Vesak in Ho Chi Minh City. 40,000 people across the world, from 100 countries will be converging, around that time we taking Holy relic from India." Also read | Pahalgam terror attack: India closes its airspace for all Pakistani flights, military aircraft On May 1, the relic will be flown to Ho Chi Minh City aboard an Indian Air Force aircraft, escorted by senior monks and led by Kiren Rijiju, India’s Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs. The IBC, a New Delhi-based organisation plays a key role in coordinating the entire exposition. A high-level IBC delegation, led by Secretary General Ven. Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, will accompany the relic and participate in Vesak celebrations. The relic will be venerated at key sites across Vietnam: Hanh Tâm Monastery in Ho Chi Minh City (May 2–8), Bà Đen Mountain in Tây Ninh Province (May 9–13), Quán Sứ Monastery in Hanoi (May 14–18), and Tam Chúc Monastery in Hà Nam Province (May 18–21). DG Halder explained, "It shows the strong historic bonds..." Coinciding with the UN Day of Vesak, which celebrates the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing, the exposition aligns with the theme “Buddhist Approach to Unity and Inclusivity for Human Dignity.” The IBC will also host three exhibitions in Vietnam, showcasing Jataka tales, Buddhist sculptures, and a comparative study of Indian and Vietnamese Buddhist artifacts. A highlight is the digital restoration of Ajanta Cave murals, including the 5th-century Bodhisattva Padmapani, presented in collaboration with the Prasad Pawar Foundation. India has sent sacred Buddha relics abroad for exposition on several occasions, primarily to strengthen cultural and spiritual ties with Buddhist-majority countries. These include Thailand in 2024, Mongolia in 2022.

India to send sacred Buddha relic to Vietnam for Vesak

Vietnam celebrates 50 years since end of war with US

Vietnamese celebrate 50 years since Vietnam War's end with festive parade and patriotic display

Vietnam gears up for 50th anniversary of end of war tomorrow, thousands expected to attend celebratory parade.

Vietnam marks 50 years since Saigon's Fall

50th anniversary of 'The Fall of Saigon': Vietnam gears up for celebrations

The F-16 is 15 metres long and has a wingspan of about 9.5 metres. It is powered by General Electric Turbofan engine, which, with afterburning, can generate upto 102 to 130 kilonewtons of thrust, accelerating this aircraft to more than twice the speed of sound. 

How powerful is General Dynamics' F-16 fighter jet and why is Vietnam buying it?

As the US-China tariff war intensifies, President Xi Jinping has embarked on a strategic 3-nation tour of Southeast Asia to strengthen regional ties and diversify Beijing’s trade routes. His visit to Vietnam drew criticism from President Trump, while China and Vietnam signed 45 key cooperation agreements signaling closer economic alignment.

Trade war: President Xi Jinping tours Southeast Asia amid US tariff war tensions

Chinese President Xi Jinping said in Hanoi on Monday that China and Vietnam should &ldquo;jointly oppose unilateral bullying and firmly uphold the multilateral trading system.&nbsp;
Xi, who is on a state visit to the Southeast Asian nation in the shadow of US tariffs, met Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, and said, &ldquo;We must strengthen strategic resolve, jointly oppose unilateral bullying, and uphold the stability of the global free trade system as well as industrial and supply chains.&rdquo;&nbsp;
The remarks come as the United States ramps up economic pressure on Beijing, including a sweeping 145% tariff on Chinese goods and broader moves to decouple from Chinese supply chains, said a Xinhua news agency report.
Earlier in the day, China and Vietnam signed dozens of cooperation agreements, strengthening ties between the communist-run countries after Jinping warned that protectionism &ldquo;leads nowhere&rdquo; and a trade war would have &ldquo;no winners&rdquo;.
In his meeting with the Vietnamese PM, Xi said the two countries should work together to push for an economic globalisation that is more open, inclusive, balanced, and beneficial to all. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-uk-minister-says-bangladesh-arrest-warrant-politically-motivated-smear-campaign-8962042">Also Read | Former UK minister says Bangladesh arrest warrant &lsquo;politically motivated smear campaign&rsquo;</a>
Xi is in Vietnam for the first leg of a Southeast Asia tour, as Beijing is trying to present itself as a reliable alternative to the US after President Donald Trump announced and then mostly reversed sweeping tariffs.
The two neighbours signed 45 cooperation agreements, including on supply chains, artificial intelligence, joint maritime patrols, and railway development. Xi&rsquo;s visit comes after the United States&mdash;the biggest export market for Vietnam&mdash;imposed a 46 per cent levy on Vietnamese goods as part of a global tariff blitz.
Although the US tariffs on Vietnam and most other countries have been paused, China is still facing high levies and is seeking to offset their impact with regional trade. On Tuesday, Xi will depart for Malaysia and Cambodia on his regional tour.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-is-bidens-war-eu-convenes-emergency-talks-after-trump-calls-russian-strike-on-ukraine-a-mistake-8960870" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">&lsquo;This is Biden&rsquo;s war&rsquo;: EU convenes emergency talks after Trump calls Russian strike on Ukraine a &lsquo;mistake&rsquo;</a>
In his meeting with Lam, Xi said Vietnam and China were &ldquo;standing at the turning point of history... and should move forward&rdquo; together.
In an article published in Vietnam&rsquo;s state-run Nhan Dan newspaper on Monday, he reiterated Beijing&rsquo;s line that a &ldquo;trade war and tariff war will produce no winner, and protectionism will lead nowhere.&rdquo;
Meanwhile, Lam said in an article posted on the government&rsquo;s news portal that his country &ldquo;is always ready to join hands with China to make cooperation between the two countries more substantive, profound, balanced, and sustainable&rdquo;.
Vietnam was Southeast Asia&rsquo;s biggest buyer of Chinese goods last year, followed by Malaysia.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-just-got-here-trump-insists-russia-ukraine-war-not-his-war-slams-zelensky-biden-for-absolutely-horrible-job-8961927">&lsquo;I just got here&rsquo;: Trump insists Russia-Ukraine War &lsquo;not his war,&rsquo; slams Zelensky, Biden for &lsquo;absolutely horrible job&rsquo;</a>
Vietnam has long pursued a &ldquo;bamboo diplomacy&rdquo; approach that aims to stay on good terms with both China and the United States, as Hanoi shares US concerns about Beijing&rsquo;s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea. China claims almost all of the South China Sea as its own, but this is disputed by the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Brunei. Xi said in his article that Beijing and Hanoi &ldquo;should properly manage differences and safeguard peace and stability in our region.&rdquo;

World: Although the US tariffs on Vietnam and most other countries have been paused, China is still facing high levies and is seeking to offset their impact with regional trade.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said in Hanoi on Monday that China and Vietnam should “jointly oppose unilateral bullying and firmly uphold the multilateral trading system. Xi, who is on a state visit to the Southeast Asian nation in the shadow of US tariffs, met Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, and said, “We must strengthen strategic resolve, jointly oppose unilateral bullying, and uphold the stability of the global free trade system as well as industrial and supply chains.” The remarks come as the United States ramps up economic pressure on Beijing, including a sweeping 145% tariff on Chinese goods and broader moves to decouple from Chinese supply chains, said a Xinhua news agency report. Earlier in the day, China and Vietnam signed dozens of cooperation agreements, strengthening ties between the communist-run countries after Jinping warned that protectionism “leads nowhere” and a trade war would have “no winners”. In his meeting with the Vietnamese PM, Xi said the two countries should work together to push for an economic globalisation that is more open, inclusive, balanced, and beneficial to all. Also Read | Former UK minister says Bangladesh arrest warrant ‘politically motivated smear campaign’ Xi is in Vietnam for the first leg of a Southeast Asia tour, as Beijing is trying to present itself as a reliable alternative to the US after President Donald Trump announced and then mostly reversed sweeping tariffs. The two neighbours signed 45 cooperation agreements, including on supply chains, artificial intelligence, joint maritime patrols, and railway development. Xi’s visit comes after the United States—the biggest export market for Vietnam—imposed a 46 per cent levy on Vietnamese goods as part of a global tariff blitz. Although the US tariffs on Vietnam and most other countries have been paused, China is still facing high levies and is seeking to offset their impact with regional trade. On Tuesday, Xi will depart for Malaysia and Cambodia on his regional tour. Also read: ‘This is Biden’s war’: EU convenes emergency talks after Trump calls Russian strike on Ukraine a ‘mistake’ In his meeting with Lam, Xi said Vietnam and China were “standing at the turning point of history... and should move forward” together. In an article published in Vietnam’s state-run Nhan Dan newspaper on Monday, he reiterated Beijing’s line that a “trade war and tariff war will produce no winner, and protectionism will lead nowhere.” Meanwhile, Lam said in an article posted on the government’s news portal that his country “is always ready to join hands with China to make cooperation between the two countries more substantive, profound, balanced, and sustainable”. Vietnam was Southeast Asia’s biggest buyer of Chinese goods last year, followed by Malaysia. Also Read | ‘I just got here’: Trump insists Russia-Ukraine War ‘not his war,’ slams Zelensky, Biden for ‘absolutely horrible job’ Vietnam has long pursued a “bamboo diplomacy” approach that aims to stay on good terms with both China and the United States, as Hanoi shares US concerns about Beijing’s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea. China claims almost all of the South China Sea as its own, but this is disputed by the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Brunei. Xi said in his article that Beijing and Hanoi “should properly manage differences and safeguard peace and stability in our region.”

Xi calls on Vietnam to join hands with China in ‘opposing unilateral bullying’

Efforts by Vietnam to delay sweeping new US tariffs have been rejected by a top adviser to President Donald Trump. Trump's trade advisor said, "This is not a negotiation, this is a national emergency based on a trade deficit."
<h2>Vietnam offers zero tariffs</h2>
On Sunday, Vietnam&rsquo;s Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son met with US Ambassador Marc E. Knapper and said that the country is willing to drop tariffs on American goods to zero. They hoped that it would help postpone the 46% reciprocal tariffs set to hit Vietnamese imports.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-threatens-china-with-50-tariffs-if-beijing-doesnt-drop-retaliatory-tariffs-by-april-8-8936490" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Any country that retaliates..': Trump threatens China with 50% tariffs if Beijing doesn't back down</a>
"Vietnam is ready to negotiate to bring the import tariff rate to 0% for US goods, increase procurement of US products that are strong and in demand by Vietnam, and at the same time create more favourable conditions for US enterprises to do business and invest in Vietnam," said a government dispatch on the meeting.
The Vietnamese side also asked for a delay to the new tariffs, which are due to come into force on April 9. In a letter addressed to Trump, President To Lam proposed a 45-day postponement to allow for continued talks.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-weighing-90-day-tariff-pause-for-all-but-china-white-house-calls-it-false-8936416" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">&lsquo;Led by a clownshow&rsquo;: Report claims Trump weighing 90-day tariff pause for all but China; White House calls it &lsquo;false&rsquo;</a>
<h2>US says no deal</h2>
But later that day, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro shot down the idea. Speaking to Fox News, Navarro said, &ldquo;This is not a negotiation, this is a national emergency based on a trade deficit that's gotten out of control because of cheating.&rdquo;
He described Vietnam as the "poster child for nontariff cheating" and argued that even with tariff reductions, the trade gap would remain enormous.
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According to US data, America currently has a $123.5 billion trade deficit with Vietnam. In 2024, US exports to Vietnam totalled $13.1 billion, compared to $136.6 billion in imports.
&ldquo;If you simply lowered our tariffs and they lowered our tariffs to zero, we'd still run about a $120 billion trade deficit with Vietnam,&rdquo; Navarro said.
He accused the country of relabelling Chinese goods as Vietnamese and using unfair tactics such as export subsidies, currency manipulation and fake standards to keep U.S. products out of Asian markets.
President Trump, meanwhile, has described his recent exchange with President Lam as &ldquo;very productive&rdquo; and voiced interest in meeting him soon.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-does-not-rule-out-reciprocal-tariffs-on-us-goods-says-president-claudia-sheinbaum-8936556" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mexico &lsquo;does not rule out&rsquo; reciprocal tariffs on US goods, says President Claudia Sheinbaum</a>
In his letter, Lam requested a personal meeting with Trump in May, writing that it would help reach an agreement that benefits both nations and supports &ldquo;peace, stability and development in the region and the world,&rdquo; according to the New York Times.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son met with US Ambassador Marc E. Knapper and said that the country is willing to drop tariffs on American goods to zero.

Efforts by Vietnam to delay sweeping new US tariffs have been rejected by a top adviser to President Donald Trump. Trump's trade advisor said, "This is not a negotiation, this is a national emergency based on a trade deficit." Vietnam offers zero tariffs On Sunday, Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son met with US Ambassador Marc E. Knapper and said that the country is willing to drop tariffs on American goods to zero. They hoped that it would help postpone the 46% reciprocal tariffs set to hit Vietnamese imports. Also read: 'Any country that retaliates..': Trump threatens China with 50% tariffs if Beijing doesn't back down "Vietnam is ready to negotiate to bring the import tariff rate to 0% for US goods, increase procurement of US products that are strong and in demand by Vietnam, and at the same time create more favourable conditions for US enterprises to do business and invest in Vietnam," said a government dispatch on the meeting. The Vietnamese side also asked for a delay to the new tariffs, which are due to come into force on April 9. In a letter addressed to Trump, President To Lam proposed a 45-day postponement to allow for continued talks. Also read: ‘Led by a clownshow’: Report claims Trump weighing 90-day tariff pause for all but China; White House calls it ‘false’ US says no deal But later that day, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro shot down the idea. Speaking to Fox News, Navarro said, “This is not a negotiation, this is a national emergency based on a trade deficit that's gotten out of control because of cheating.” He described Vietnam as the "poster child for nontariff cheating" and argued that even with tariff reductions, the trade gap would remain enormous. Also read: Japan PM Shigeru Ishiba calls Trump, asks for review of tariffs, more talks According to US data, America currently has a $123.5 billion trade deficit with Vietnam. In 2024, US exports to Vietnam totalled $13.1 billion, compared to $136.6 billion in imports. “If you simply lowered our tariffs and they lowered our tariffs to zero, we'd still run about a $120 billion trade deficit with Vietnam,” Navarro said. He accused the country of relabelling Chinese goods as Vietnamese and using unfair tactics such as export subsidies, currency manipulation and fake standards to keep U.S. products out of Asian markets. President Trump, meanwhile, has described his recent exchange with President Lam as “very productive” and voiced interest in meeting him soon. Also read: Mexico ‘does not rule out’ reciprocal tariffs on US goods, says President Claudia Sheinbaum In his letter, Lam requested a personal meeting with Trump in May, writing that it would help reach an agreement that benefits both nations and supports “peace, stability and development in the region and the world,” according to the New York Times. (With inputs from agencies)

'Poster child for nontariff cheating': Trump team rejects Vietnam’s desperate bid to dodge brutal tariffs

Days after US President Donald Trump announced <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-tariffs-billionaires-lost-208-billion-elon-musk-mark-zuckerberg-jeff-bezos-biggest-losers-full-list-here-8926461">tariffs</a>, Vietnam surrendered on Friday (April 4) and asked the US to cut their tariffs down to ZERO, during Trump's call with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam.&nbsp;
The US president said that Lam said that Vietnam wants to cut their tariffs to zero if they are able to make an agreement with the US.&nbsp;
Trump further thanked him on behalf of the country, saying that he looked forward to a meeting with them.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-its-a-great-time-to-get-rich-as-3-trillion-wiped-from-markets-after-tariffs-8926904">&lsquo;My policies will never change&rsquo;: Trump says it&rsquo;s a &lsquo;great time to get rich&rsquo; as $3 trillion wiped from markets after tariffs</a>
"Just had a very productive call with To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, who told me that Vietnam wants to cut their Tariffs down to ZERO if they are able to make an agreement with the U.S. I thanked him on behalf of our Country, and said I look forward to a meeting in the near future," Trump said in a social media post.&nbsp;
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Earlier in the day, the Vietnamese government said that it had asked the US to postpone by one to three months its reciprocal tariff rate of 46% on imports from Vietnam to allow time for negotiations.
The government further said that Vietnam will also take steps to import more American goods, including aircraft and liquefied petroleum gas, and facilitate investment by US companies in the country.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-panicked-trump-slams-beijing-for-imposing-tariffs-on-us-goods-says-they-played-it-wrong-8926760">'CHINA PANICKED': Trump slams Beijing for imposing tariffs on US goods, says they 'PLAYED IT WRONG'</a>
Trump kicked off his &ldquo;Liberation Day&rdquo; on April 2, telling the crowd that &ldquo;April 2, 2025, will forever be remembered as the day American industry was reborn,&rdquo; insisting that for decades, the US had been &ldquo;looted, pillaged, raped, and plundered&rdquo; by foreign nations.
The US president announced to impose of 46% tariffs on goods, starting "immediately".&nbsp;
While Trump called these tariffs &ldquo;reciprocal,&rdquo; he admitted they&rsquo;re only about half of what other countries charge the US.
"We will charge them approximately half of what they are and have been charging us," he said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hands-off-protests-anti-trump-demonstrations-to-be-held-across-us-tomorrow-everything-you-need-to-know-8926838">'Hands Off' protests: Anti-Trump demonstrations to be held across US tomorrow | Everything you need to know</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: US president Donald Trump said that Lam said that Vietnam wants to cut their tariffs to zero if they are able to make an agreement with the US.

Days after US President Donald Trump announced tariffs, Vietnam surrendered on Friday (April 4) and asked the US to cut their tariffs down to ZERO, during Trump's call with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam. The US president said that Lam said that Vietnam wants to cut their tariffs to zero if they are able to make an agreement with the US. Trump further thanked him on behalf of the country, saying that he looked forward to a meeting with them. Also read: ‘My policies will never change’: Trump says it’s a ‘great time to get rich’ as $3 trillion wiped from markets after tariffs "Just had a very productive call with To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, who told me that Vietnam wants to cut their Tariffs down to ZERO if they are able to make an agreement with the U.S. I thanked him on behalf of our Country, and said I look forward to a meeting in the near future," Trump said in a social media post. Earlier in the day, the Vietnamese government said that it had asked the US to postpone by one to three months its reciprocal tariff rate of 46% on imports from Vietnam to allow time for negotiations. The government further said that Vietnam will also take steps to import more American goods, including aircraft and liquefied petroleum gas, and facilitate investment by US companies in the country. Also read: 'CHINA PANICKED': Trump slams Beijing for imposing tariffs on US goods, says they 'PLAYED IT WRONG' Trump kicked off his “Liberation Day” on April 2, telling the crowd that “April 2, 2025, will forever be remembered as the day American industry was reborn,” insisting that for decades, the US had been “looted, pillaged, raped, and plundered” by foreign nations. The US president announced to impose of 46% tariffs on goods, starting "immediately". While Trump called these tariffs “reciprocal,” he admitted they’re only about half of what other countries charge the US. "We will charge them approximately half of what they are and have been charging us," he said. Also read: 'Hands Off' protests: Anti-Trump demonstrations to be held across US tomorrow | Everything you need to know (With inputs from agencies)

Vietnam first to fall in face of Trump tariffs. Will other countries follow?

Move over Thailand - Vietnam is fast becoming the new hotspot for Indian travellers in Southeast Asia. While Thailand has long been a favourite, the 'land of the ascending dragon' is now emerging as the region's fastest-growing tourism destination, severely impacting domestic hubs like Goa.
Top travel destinations for Indians among Asian nations in 2024&nbsp;
- Malaysia&nbsp;
- Vietnam&nbsp;
- Thailand&nbsp;
(As per reports)
<h2>Vietnam's rise as a tourist haven</h2>
Reports suggest that Vietnam welcomed 17.5 million global visitors in 2024. This makes it the fastest-growing tourist economy in Southeast Asia. What's even more impressive about Vietnam's tourism recovery post-COVID? The momentum reveals no signs of slowing, with nearly 4 million international visitors in the first 2 months of 2025 - a 30.2 per cent increase from last year.
<h2>What's fuelling this surge?</h2>
Vietnam's rise as a tourist hotspot is reflected in its friendly policies. In 2023, the country introduced a new electronic visa policy, allowing visitors to stay for up to 90 days. With expanded visa-free access and the influx of luxury hotel chains, Vietnam is becoming the new playground for high-end travellers seeking alternatives.
Vietnam's culinary scene is also attracting footfall, thanks to its recent Michelin guide recognition, making it a strong contender for foodies and luxury seekers alike. Indian tourists, who once flocked to Goa for a beach gateway, are now swapping their flip-flops for flights to Vietnam.

Business Economy, the 'land of the ascending dragon' is now emerging as the region's fastest-growing tourism destination, severely impacting domestic spots like Goa.

Move over Thailand - Vietnam is fast becoming the new hotspot for Indian travellers in Southeast Asia. While Thailand has long been a favourite, the 'land of the ascending dragon' is now emerging as the region's fastest-growing tourism destination, severely impacting domestic hubs like Goa. Top travel destinations for Indians among Asian nations in 2024 - Malaysia - Vietnam - Thailand (As per reports) Vietnam's rise as a tourist haven Reports suggest that Vietnam welcomed 17.5 million global visitors in 2024. This makes it the fastest-growing tourist economy in Southeast Asia. What's even more impressive about Vietnam's tourism recovery post-COVID? The momentum reveals no signs of slowing, with nearly 4 million international visitors in the first 2 months of 2025 - a 30.2 per cent increase from last year. What's fuelling this surge? Vietnam's rise as a tourist hotspot is reflected in its friendly policies. In 2023, the country introduced a new electronic visa policy, allowing visitors to stay for up to 90 days. With expanded visa-free access and the influx of luxury hotel chains, Vietnam is becoming the new playground for high-end travellers seeking alternatives. Vietnam's culinary scene is also attracting footfall, thanks to its recent Michelin guide recognition, making it a strong contender for foodies and luxury seekers alike. Indian tourists, who once flocked to Goa for a beach gateway, are now swapping their flip-flops for flights to Vietnam.

Vietnam: The new favourite for Indian travellers

Move over, Thailand—Vietnam is fast becoming the new hotspot for Indian travelers in Southeast Asia! While Thailand has long been a favorite, the “land of the ascending dragon” is now emerging as the region’s fastest-growing tourism destination, and it’s leaving many destinations like Goa in its dust.

Indians choose Vietnam over Thailand, Goa

Chinese authorities hold live-fire exercises in the Gulf of Tonkin after Vietnam marks its territorial claims. Watch this report for more details!

China holds live-fire exercises in Gulf of Tonkin

Vietnam is set to cut 100,000 public sector jobs as part of a major bureaucratic overhaul, reducing ministries from 30 to 22. With 2 million employees in 2022, the restructuring aims to streamline governance and improve efficiency.

Vietnam slashes public sector jobs in major bureaucratic overhaul

A court in Vietnam sentenced 27 people to death on Friday after finding them guilty of trafficking more than 600 kilos of narcotics including heroin, ketamine and methamphetamine, state media reported.

Vietnam court sentences 27 to death for drug trafficking

Vietnam Court Sentences 27 To Death For Drug Trafficking

Vietnam unveils a new VCS-01 mobile coastal defence system. Watch in this report for more details about the weapon. 

Vietnam Unveils VCS-01 Mobile Coastal Defence System

Vietnam unveils a new VCS-01 mobile coastal defence system. Watch in this report for more details about the weapon.

New Delhi, India
India and Vietnam are closer than ever to signing a USD 700 million Brahmos missile system deal as both sides plug in more procedural details. The deal could be signed as early as in a couple of months, and it is learnt that the initial techno-commercial details have already been shared and discussed by the Vietnamese Defence Ministry. Orders are expected from both the Vietnamese Army and Navy. 
BrahMos missile is developed by BrahMos Aerospace, a collaboration between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya. 
If this deal materialises, then Vietnam will be the second country after the Philippines to purchase the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India. 
Vietnam, it is understood, has been waiting for some time for the draft agreement, which includes the final deal amount, delivery timeline, payment terms, etc., from BrahMos Aerospace (BAPL). 
The development comes at a time when Brahmos's top brass faces leadership challenges over the appointment of new CEO and MD, Dr. Jaiteerth Raghavendra Joshi. 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-launches-operation-sadbhav-sends-relief-worth-thousands-of-dollars-to-myanmar-vietnam-and-laos-758944">Also read: India launches operation 'Sadbhav' sends relief worth thousands of dollars to Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos</a>
Dr. Sivasubramanyam Nambi Naidu has legally challenged Dr. Jaiteerth R. Joshi's appointment as CEO of BrahMos Aerospace, citing issues of seniority and merit. 
The case, filed at the Central Administrative Tribunal in Hyderabad, has its next hearing scheduled in a few days. While talks over Brahmos have taken place, Vietnam in the past procured Bastion-P (K-300P) coastal defence missile systems from Russia, with the first delivery occurring in 2011.
India and Vietnam have been firming up defence ties. Earlier this week, the India Pavilion at Vietnam International Defence Expo VIDE24 was jointly inaugurated by Vietnam’s Minister of Public Security, Gen Luong Tam Quang, Indian Secretary-Defence Production, Sanjeev Kumar, and Indian Ambassador to Vietnam, Sandeep Arya.
VIDE24 showcases the latest global defence technologies, including those from India. Brahmos Aerospace from India was one of the exhibitors, along with DRDO, HAL, and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders.
India's Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lieutenant General N. S. Raja Subramani, is also on a visit to the country and attended VIDE 2024. During the official visit to Vietnam, Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani attended the 80th Anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) at the National Convention Centre, Hanoi. 
Watch | India-Vietnam Joint Military Drill, Aims To Boost Military Capabilities
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An Army statement said, "This visit further strengthens collaboration between the armies of the two nations, which is grounded in strategic collaboration and trust and is crucial for enhancing security in the Indo-Pacific, thereby ensuring a stable and prosperous region for all."
In 2022, India handed 12 high-speed guard boats to Vietnam, built under India's $100 million Defence Line of Credit. The following year, India announced the gifting of an indigenously built missile corvette, INS Kirpan, to Vietnam. Both countries have a mutual logistics support agreement that allows use of each other's military bases for repair and replenishment. India has also been training Vietnamese personnel. 
A 50-member Indian defence contingent participated in the fourth edition of the VINBAX – 2023 military exercises in Vietnam in December 2023 on UN peacekeeping scenario. Vietnam’s navy ship participated in international maritime exercise MILAN in India in February 2024.
(With inputs from agencies)

BrahMos missile is developed by BrahMos Aerospace, a collaboration between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya. 



New Delhi, India India and Vietnam are closer than ever to signing a USD 700 million Brahmos missile system deal as both sides plug in more procedural details. The deal could be signed as early as in a couple of months, and it is learnt that the initial techno-commercial details have already been shared and discussed by the Vietnamese Defence Ministry. Orders are expected from both the Vietnamese Army and Navy. BrahMos missile is developed by BrahMos Aerospace, a collaboration between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya. If this deal materialises, then Vietnam will be the second country after the Philippines to purchase the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India. Vietnam, it is understood, has been waiting for some time for the draft agreement, which includes the final deal amount, delivery timeline, payment terms, etc., from BrahMos Aerospace (BAPL). The development comes at a time when Brahmos's top brass faces leadership challenges over the appointment of new CEO and MD, Dr. Jaiteerth Raghavendra Joshi. Also read: India launches operation 'Sadbhav' sends relief worth thousands of dollars to Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos Dr. Sivasubramanyam Nambi Naidu has legally challenged Dr. Jaiteerth R. Joshi's appointment as CEO of BrahMos Aerospace, citing issues of seniority and merit. The case, filed at the Central Administrative Tribunal in Hyderabad, has its next hearing scheduled in a few days. While talks over Brahmos have taken place, Vietnam in the past procured Bastion-P (K-300P) coastal defence missile systems from Russia, with the first delivery occurring in 2011. India and Vietnam have been firming up defence ties. Earlier this week, the India Pavilion at Vietnam International Defence Expo VIDE24 was jointly inaugurated by Vietnam’s Minister of Public Security, Gen Luong Tam Quang, Indian Secretary-Defence Production, Sanjeev Kumar, and Indian Ambassador to Vietnam, Sandeep Arya. VIDE24 showcases the latest global defence technologies, including those from India. Brahmos Aerospace from India was one of the exhibitors, along with DRDO, HAL, and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders. India's Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lieutenant General N. S. Raja Subramani, is also on a visit to the country and attended VIDE 2024. During the official visit to Vietnam, Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani attended the 80th Anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) at the National Convention Centre, Hanoi. Watch | India-Vietnam Joint Military Drill, Aims To Boost Military Capabilities × An Army statement said, "This visit further strengthens collaboration between the armies of the two nations, which is grounded in strategic collaboration and trust and is crucial for enhancing security in the Indo-Pacific, thereby ensuring a stable and prosperous region for all." In 2022, India handed 12 high-speed guard boats to Vietnam, built under India's $100 million Defence Line of Credit. The following year, India announced the gifting of an indigenously built missile corvette, INS Kirpan, to Vietnam. Both countries have a mutual logistics support agreement that allows use of each other's military bases for repair and replenishment. India has also been training Vietnamese personnel. A 50-member Indian defence contingent participated in the fourth edition of the VINBAX – 2023 military exercises in Vietnam in December 2023 on UN peacekeeping scenario. Vietnam’s navy ship participated in international maritime exercise MILAN in India in February 2024. (With inputs from agencies)

Exclusive: Vietnam, India close to finalising BrahMos deal

India and Vietnam are closer than ever to signing a USD 700 million Brahmos missile system deal as both sides plug in more procedural details. The deal could be signed as early as in a couple of months, and it is learnt that the initial techno-commercial details have already been shared and discussed by the Vietnamese Defence Ministry. Orders are expected from both the Vietnamese Army and&nbsp;Navy.&nbsp;

BrahMos missile is developed by BrahMos Aerospace, a collaboration between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya.&nbsp;

If this deal materialises, then Vietnam will be the second country after the Philippines to purchase the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India.&nbsp;

Vietnam, it is understood, has been waiting for some time for the draft agreement, which includes the final deal amount, delivery timeline, payment terms, etc., from BrahMos Aerospace (BAPL).&nbsp;

The development comes at a time when Brahmos's top brass faces leadership challenges over the appointment of new CEO and MD, Dr. Jaiteerth Raghavendra Joshi.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-launches-operation-sadbhav-sends-relief-worth-thousands-of-dollars-to-myanmar-vietnam-and-laos-758944">Also read:&nbsp;India launches operation 'Sadbhav' sends relief worth thousands of dollars to Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos</a>

Dr. Sivasubramanyam Nambi Naidu has legally challenged Dr. Jaiteerth R. Joshi's appointment as CEO of BrahMos Aerospace, citing issues of seniority and merit.&nbsp;

The case, filed at the Central Administrative Tribunal in Hyderabad, has its next hearing scheduled in a few days. While talks over Brahmos have taken place, Vietnam in the past procured Bastion-P (K-300P) coastal defence missile systems from Russia, with the first delivery occurring in 2011.

India and Vietnam have been firming up defence ties. Earlier this week, the India Pavilion at Vietnam International Defence Expo VIDE24 was jointly inaugurated by Vietnam’s Minister of Public Security, Gen Luong Tam Quang, Indian Secretary-Defence Production, Sanjeev Kumar, and&nbsp;Indian Ambassador to Vietnam, Sandeep Arya.

VIDE24 showcases the latest global defence technologies, including those from India. Brahmos Aerospace from India was one of the exhibitors, along with DRDO, HAL, and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders.

India's Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lieutenant General N. S. Raja Subramani, is also on a visit to the country and attended VIDE 2024. During the official visit to Vietnam, Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani attended the 80th Anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) at the National Convention Centre, Hanoi.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;India-Vietnam Joint Military Drill, Aims To Boost Military Capabilities

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An Army statement said, "This visit further strengthens collaboration between the armies of the two nations, which is grounded in strategic collaboration and trust and is crucial for enhancing security in the Indo-Pacific, thereby ensuring a stable and prosperous region for all."

In 2022, India handed 12 high-speed guard boats to Vietnam, built under India's $100 million Defence Line of Credit. The following year, India announced the gifting of an indigenously built missile corvette, INS Kirpan, to Vietnam. Both countries have a mutual logistics support agreement that allows use of each other's military bases for repair and replenishment. India has also been training Vietnamese personnel.&nbsp;

A 50-member Indian defence contingent participated in the fourth edition of the VINBAX – 2023 military exercises in Vietnam in December 2023 on UN peacekeeping scenario. Vietnam’s navy ship participated in international maritime exercise MILAN in India in February 2024.

(With inputs from agencies)

India and Vietnam are closer than ever to signing a USD 700 million Brahmos missile system deal as both sides plug in more procedural details. The deal could be signed as early as in a couple of months, and it is learnt that the initial techno-commercial details have already been shared and discussed by the Vietnamese Defence Ministry.

India and Vietnam are closer than ever to signing a USD 700 million Brahmos missile system deal as both sides plug in more procedural details. The deal could be signed as early as in a couple of months, and it is learnt that the initial techno-commercial details have already been shared and discussed by the Vietnamese Defence Ministry. Orders are expected from both the Vietnamese Army and Navy. BrahMos missile is developed by BrahMos Aerospace, a collaboration between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya. If this deal materialises, then Vietnam will be the second country after the Philippines to purchase the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India. Vietnam, it is understood, has been waiting for some time for the draft agreement, which includes the final deal amount, delivery timeline, payment terms, etc., from BrahMos Aerospace (BAPL). The development comes at a time when Brahmos's top brass faces leadership challenges over the appointment of new CEO and MD, Dr. Jaiteerth Raghavendra Joshi. Also read: India launches operation 'Sadbhav' sends relief worth thousands of dollars to Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos Dr. Sivasubramanyam Nambi Naidu has legally challenged Dr. Jaiteerth R. Joshi's appointment as CEO of BrahMos Aerospace, citing issues of seniority and merit. The case, filed at the Central Administrative Tribunal in Hyderabad, has its next hearing scheduled in a few days. While talks over Brahmos have taken place, Vietnam in the past procured Bastion-P (K-300P) coastal defence missile systems from Russia, with the first delivery occurring in 2011. India and Vietnam have been firming up defence ties. Earlier this week, the India Pavilion at Vietnam International Defence Expo VIDE24 was jointly inaugurated by Vietnam’s Minister of Public Security, Gen Luong Tam Quang, Indian Secretary-Defence Production, Sanjeev Kumar, and Indian Ambassador to Vietnam, Sandeep Arya. VIDE24 showcases the latest global defence technologies, including those from India. Brahmos Aerospace from India was one of the exhibitors, along with DRDO, HAL, and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders. India's Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lieutenant General N. S. Raja Subramani, is also on a visit to the country and attended VIDE 2024. During the official visit to Vietnam, Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani attended the 80th Anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) at the National Convention Centre, Hanoi. Watch | India-Vietnam Joint Military Drill, Aims To Boost Military Capabilities × An Army statement said, "This visit further strengthens collaboration between the armies of the two nations, which is grounded in strategic collaboration and trust and is crucial for enhancing security in the Indo-Pacific, thereby ensuring a stable and prosperous region for all." In 2022, India handed 12 high-speed guard boats to Vietnam, built under India's $100 million Defence Line of Credit. The following year, India announced the gifting of an indigenously built missile corvette, INS Kirpan, to Vietnam. Both countries have a mutual logistics support agreement that allows use of each other's military bases for repair and replenishment. India has also been training Vietnamese personnel. A 50-member Indian defence contingent participated in the fourth edition of the VINBAX – 2023 military exercises in Vietnam in December 2023 on UN peacekeeping scenario. Vietnam’s navy ship participated in international maritime exercise MILAN in India in February 2024. (With inputs from agencies)

Vietnamese tycoon Truong My Lan has failed in her appeal against the death sentence for orchestrating Vietnam’s largest fraud case. Despite the court’s ruling, she may avoid execution if she repays a significant portion of the misappropriated funds. Watch to know more!

Vietnam Tycoon Loses Death Penalty Appeal Over Fraud Scandal | GRAVITAS | WION

Truong My Lan, the Vietnamese real estate tycoon, is on a mission to raise $9 billion in order to save her life. On Tuesday (Dec 3) she lost her appeal as&nbsp; a court upheld her death sentence for the world’s largest banking fraud. In April, she was found guilty of embezzling more than $12 billion of funds taken as a loan from the Saigon Commercial Bank, the country’s fifth biggest lender.

Truong is now hoping to avoid execution by using a Vietnamese law that would convert her death sentence to life imprisonment if she pays back 75 per cent of what she took. That works out to $9bn.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiC8IrB84qKAxU5zTgGHTJAEjAQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/uranus-not-a-hot-mess-a-mistimed-encounter-between-voyager-2-in-1986-messed-up-data-775505" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/uranus-not-a-hot-mess-a-mistimed-encounter-between-voyager-2-in-1986-messed-up-data-775505&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiC8IrB84qKAxU5zTgGHTJAEjAQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Uranus not a hot mess: A mistimed encounter between Voyager 2 in 1986 messed up data</a>

BBC quoted Truong’s lawyers as saying that the tycoon was now rushing to raise the required amount but they argue that cashing in her assets was proving to be a difficult task owing to her death sentence.

“The total value of her holdings actually exceeds the required compensation amount,” lawyer Nguyen Huy Thiep was quoted as saying by BBC.

“However, these require time and effort to sell, as many of the assets are real estate and take time to liquidate. Truong My Lan hopes the court can create the most favourable conditions for her to continue making compensation,” he added.

Truong is owner of a few luxury properties in Ho Chi Minh City. She also holds significant stakes in several business and real estate projects.

Over 1,000 assets have been identified by Vietnamese authorities that are believed to be linked to the fraud and all of them have been frozen for now.

When Truong was awarded a rare death sentence in April, she was heading Van Thinh Phat Group, a prominent real estate firm.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiC8IrB84qKAxU5zTgGHTJAEjAQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-kemi-badenochs-leadership-kicks-off-with-5-approval-second-weakest-among-recent-tory-leaders-776827" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-kemi-badenochs-leadership-kicks-off-with-5-approval-second-weakest-among-recent-tory-leaders-776827&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiC8IrB84qKAxU5zTgGHTJAEjAQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">UK: Kemi Badenoch`s leadership kicks off with -5% approval, second weakest among recent Tory leaders</a>

Truong started off as a market stall vendor. In 1986, she began buying properties after the Communist Party introduced market reforms. By the 1990s, her real estate portfolio had expanded to include many hotels and restaurants.

(With inputs from agencies)

Truong My Lan, the Vietnamese real estate tycoon, is on a mission to raise $9 billion in order to save her life. On Tuesday (Dec 3) she lost her appeal as a court upheld her death sentence for the world’s largest banking fraud.

Truong My Lan, the Vietnamese real estate tycoon, is on a mission to raise $9 billion in order to save her life. On Tuesday (Dec 3) she lost her appeal as a court upheld her death sentence for the world’s largest banking fraud. In April, she was found guilty of embezzling more than $12 billion of funds taken as a loan from the Saigon Commercial Bank, the country’s fifth biggest lender. Truong is now hoping to avoid execution by using a Vietnamese law that would convert her death sentence to life imprisonment if she pays back 75 per cent of what she took. That works out to $9bn. Also read: Uranus not a hot mess: A mistimed encounter between Voyager 2 in 1986 messed up data BBC quoted Truong’s lawyers as saying that the tycoon was now rushing to raise the required amount but they argue that cashing in her assets was proving to be a difficult task owing to her death sentence. “The total value of her holdings actually exceeds the required compensation amount,” lawyer Nguyen Huy Thiep was quoted as saying by BBC. “However, these require time and effort to sell, as many of the assets are real estate and take time to liquidate. Truong My Lan hopes the court can create the most favourable conditions for her to continue making compensation,” he added. Truong is owner of a few luxury properties in Ho Chi Minh City. She also holds significant stakes in several business and real estate projects. Over 1,000 assets have been identified by Vietnamese authorities that are believed to be linked to the fraud and all of them have been frozen for now. When Truong was awarded a rare death sentence in April, she was heading Van Thinh Phat Group, a prominent real estate firm. Also read: UK: Kemi Badenoch`s leadership kicks off with -5% approval, second weakest among recent Tory leaders Truong started off as a market stall vendor. In 1986, she began buying properties after the Communist Party introduced market reforms. By the 1990s, her real estate portfolio had expanded to include many hotels and restaurants. (With inputs from agencies)

Vietnamese tycoon Truong My Lan loses death sentence appeal, needs $9bn to save her life

Vietnam's parliament elected on Monday army general Luong Cuong as the new state president in a widely anticipated move that is expected to bring some stability to Vietnamese politics after a turbulent phase of departures and reshuffles.

Cuong, 67, takes over the role from To Lam, who was appointed president of the Communist-run, one-party country in May and then also took on the more powerful job of party chief following the death in July of general secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Cuong was elected with the vote of all the 440 deputies who attended the parliament session on Monday.

In his inaugural speech he committed to boosting defence capabilities and pursuing an independent and multilateral foreign policy.

He vowed to "strengthen national defence and security, build up an army force that is revolutionary, well-trained, nimble and modern".

Vietnam has long been seeking to diversify its arsenal from mostly Russia-made weapons but has not reported any significant deal in recent years.

Before the election, Cuong held a key position in the secretariat of the Communist Party, which made him the fifth-highest ranking official in the country after party chief, president, prime minister and parliament's chairman. Cuong is also a member of the Politburo, the party's top decision-making body.

The state president holds little direct power but represents the country in high-level meetings with foreign dignitaries. In his short spell as president, Lam has met the leaders of China, Russia and the United States, among others.

<h2>POWER SHARING</h2>

In Vietnam, the party chief has become the most powerful figure since the late Trong effectively expanded the role's powers in his 13-year tenure.&nbsp;

The move by Lam, a former head of police, to relinquish the presidency may indicate a power-sharing compromise within the party, multiple diplomats said.

Foreign multinationals, who have large investments in the Southeast Asian country for export-oriented manufacturing, had long praised Vietnam's political stability.&nbsp;

Many were taken aback by recent turmoil in the leadership amid an anti-corruption campaign that led to the resignation of two state presidents and one parliament chairman in the 17 months before Lam's election.

The new power-sharing arrangement is set to last until 2026, when all top positions will again be up for grabs as part of a regular five-year reorganisation of the political leadership.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Vietnam's parliament elected on Monday army general Luong Cuong as the new state president in a widely anticipated move that is expected to bring some stability to Vietnamese politics after a turbulent phase of departures and reshuffles.

Vietnam's parliament elected on Monday army general Luong Cuong as the new state president in a widely anticipated move that is expected to bring some stability to Vietnamese politics after a turbulent phase of departures and reshuffles. Cuong, 67, takes over the role from To Lam, who was appointed president of the Communist-run, one-party country in May and then also took on the more powerful job of party chief following the death in July of general secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. Cuong was elected with the vote of all the 440 deputies who attended the parliament session on Monday. In his inaugural speech he committed to boosting defence capabilities and pursuing an independent and multilateral foreign policy. He vowed to "strengthen national defence and security, build up an army force that is revolutionary, well-trained, nimble and modern". Vietnam has long been seeking to diversify its arsenal from mostly Russia-made weapons but has not reported any significant deal in recent years. Before the election, Cuong held a key position in the secretariat of the Communist Party, which made him the fifth-highest ranking official in the country after party chief, president, prime minister and parliament's chairman. Cuong is also a member of the Politburo, the party's top decision-making body. The state president holds little direct power but represents the country in high-level meetings with foreign dignitaries. In his short spell as president, Lam has met the leaders of China, Russia and the United States, among others. POWER SHARING In Vietnam, the party chief has become the most powerful figure since the late Trong effectively expanded the role's powers in his 13-year tenure. The move by Lam, a former head of police, to relinquish the presidency may indicate a power-sharing compromise within the party, multiple diplomats said. Foreign multinationals, who have large investments in the Southeast Asian country for export-oriented manufacturing, had long praised Vietnam's political stability. Many were taken aback by recent turmoil in the leadership amid an anti-corruption campaign that led to the resignation of two state presidents and one parliament chairman in the 17 months before Lam's election. The new power-sharing arrangement is set to last until 2026, when all top positions will again be up for grabs as part of a regular five-year reorganisation of the political leadership. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Vietnam parliament elects army general Luong Cuong as new state president

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