<p>As part of an ongoing overseas deployment to ASEAN countries, the Indian Coast Guard Pollution Response vessel ICGS Samudra Paheredar made a port call at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on Tuesday (April 2).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The visit of ICG's specialised vessel with an on-board helicopter to ASEAN (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries is in pursuance of India's ASEAN Initiative for Marine Pollution, as announced by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the year 2022 at Cambodia, during the ASEAN Defence Minister Plus Meeting.</p>

<p>During the three-day visit, the crew of ICGS Samudra Paheredar will engage in professional interactions focusing on Marine Pollution Response (MPR), Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR), and Maritime Law Enforcement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Activities include cross-deck training, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, sports events and Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Vietnam Coast Guard.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-politician-kiren-rijiju-slams-nervous-china-says-this-is-not-the-1962-india-707033">Indian politician Kiren Rijiju slams 'nervous' China, says 'This is not the 1962 India'</a></p>

<p>The visit aims not only to strengthen ties between the Indian Coast Guard and their Vietnamese counterparts but also to showcase India's shipbuilding capabilities, supporting the concept of “Atmanirbhar Bharat”(self-reliant India) and “Make in India” initiative.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, 25 National Cadet Corps (NCC) aboard ICGS Samudra Paheredar will participate in a Walkathon and Beach Cleanup activities in collaboration with local youth organisations, contributing to the Indian Government's “Puneet Sagar Abhiyan” or Clean Ocean Mission.</p>

<p>The Indian Coast Guard and Vietnam Coast Guard entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2015, which institutionalised the cooperative engagements between the two maritime agencies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This overseas deployment by the Indian ship deployment is in line with the provision of the MoU and stands as a testimony to the Indian Coast Guard's commitment to bolster bilateral relationships and enhance international cooperation with Foreign Friendly Countries (FFCs).</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas | BrahMos &amp; Dorniers: India's record defence export</strong></p>

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<p>Prior to Ho Chi Minh, ICGS Samudra Paheredar visited Manila, Philippines, demonstrating a seamless continuation of diplomatic maritime engagements in the ASEAN region.</p>

<p>The visit to Vietnam holds significance in reinforcing bilateral relationships with key maritime partners, crucial for ensuring the safety, security, and environmental sustainability of the seas in the region, while addressing contemporary maritime challenges.</p>

<p>ICGS Samudra Paheredar deployment to the ASEAN region reflects India's shared concern and resolve towards marine pollution, promoting maritime safety and security through maritime cooperation, aligned with India's maritime vision encapsulated in "SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region".&nbsp;</p>


As part of an ongoing overseas deployment to ASEAN countries, the Indian Coast Guard Pollution Response vessel ICGS Samudra Paheredar made a port call at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on Tuesday (April 2).

As part of an ongoing overseas deployment to ASEAN countries, the Indian Coast Guard Pollution Response vessel ICGS Samudra Paheredar made a port call at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on Tuesday (April 2). The visit of ICG's specialised vessel with an on-board helicopter to ASEAN (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries is in pursuance of India's ASEAN Initiative for Marine Pollution, as announced by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the year 2022 at Cambodia, during the ASEAN Defence Minister Plus Meeting. During the three-day visit, the crew of ICGS Samudra Paheredar will engage in professional interactions focusing on Marine Pollution Response (MPR), Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR), and Maritime Law Enforcement. Activities include cross-deck training, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, sports events and Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Vietnam Coast Guard. Also Read: Indian politician Kiren Rijiju slams 'nervous' China, says 'This is not the 1962 India' The visit aims not only to strengthen ties between the Indian Coast Guard and their Vietnamese counterparts but also to showcase India's shipbuilding capabilities, supporting the concept of “Atmanirbhar Bharat”(self-reliant India) and “Make in India” initiative. Additionally, 25 National Cadet Corps (NCC) aboard ICGS Samudra Paheredar will participate in a Walkathon and Beach Cleanup activities in collaboration with local youth organisations, contributing to the Indian Government's “Puneet Sagar Abhiyan” or Clean Ocean Mission. The Indian Coast Guard and Vietnam Coast Guard entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2015, which institutionalised the cooperative engagements between the two maritime agencies. This overseas deployment by the Indian ship deployment is in line with the provision of the MoU and stands as a testimony to the Indian Coast Guard's commitment to bolster bilateral relationships and enhance international cooperation with Foreign Friendly Countries (FFCs). Watch: Gravitas | BrahMos & Dorniers: India's record defence export Prior to Ho Chi Minh, ICGS Samudra Paheredar visited Manila, Philippines, demonstrating a seamless continuation of diplomatic maritime engagements in the ASEAN region. The visit to Vietnam holds significance in reinforcing bilateral relationships with key maritime partners, crucial for ensuring the safety, security, and environmental sustainability of the seas in the region, while addressing contemporary maritime challenges. ICGS Samudra Paheredar deployment to the ASEAN region reflects India's shared concern and resolve towards marine pollution, promoting maritime safety and security through maritime cooperation, aligned with India's maritime vision encapsulated in "SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region".

Indian Coast Guard ship Samudra Paheredar visits Ho Chi Minh City

<p>The Vietnamese Communist Party officially accepted&nbsp;the resignation of President Vo Van Thuong, as declared by the government on Wednesday (Mar 20). This development suggests a period of political instability that could potentially undermine foreign investors' trust in the nation. The government stated that Thuong had violated party regulations, resulting in adverse public perception and damaging the Party's, State's, and his personal reputation.</p>

<p>The Central Party Committee, a crucial decision-making body within Vietnam's Communist Party administration, endorsed Thuong's resignation approximately a year following his election.</p>

<p>While the president's role is largely ceremonial, it carries significant political weight as one of the nation's top four positions. Attempts to reach the presidential office for comment on Wednesday were unsuccessful.</p>

<p>The committee's decision precedes an extraordinary session of Vietnam's parliament scheduled for Thursday, where deputies are expected to affirm the party's resolutions.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;US companies eye $8 billion investment in Vietnam</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Origins of political upheaval</strong></h2>

<p>Although the government statement did not specify Thuong's transgressions, recent leadership changes in the single-party state have been linked to the extensive "blazing furnace" anti-bribery campaign. This campaign, while aimed at combating widespread corruption, has been criticised as a tool for political power struggles. Foreign investors and diplomats have expressed concerns about its impact on decision-making processes in Vietnam, exacerbating an already cumbersome bureaucracy.</p>

<p>Thuong, aged 53, stepped down shortly after Vietnamese authorities announced the arrest of a former provincial head from Quang Ngai province for alleged corruption dating back a decade.</p>

<p>Thuong served as the party chief in the same province during that period. Additionally, he held senior party positions in Ho Chi Minh City, which is grappling with a massive financial scandal currently undergoing a significant trial.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-reiterates-usas-ironclad-commitment-to-defend-philippines-against-attack-by-china-701803">Also read |&nbsp;Blinken reiterates USA’s ‘ironclad’ commitment to defend Philippines against attack by China</a></p>

<p>Thuong's close association with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, the driving force behind the anti-graft campaign, further underscores the political dynamics at play.</p>

<p>The sudden departure of Thuong raises concerns about political stability and its impact on foreign investment. Recent fluctuations in the Ho Chi Minh City stock exchange and net sales by foreign investors indicate apprehension among investors. While some believe that policy and administrative decisions may slow down further, Vietnam's fundamental stance on key policies is not expected to change drastically. However, repeated leadership changes may erode business sentiment, posing challenges for a country heavily reliant on foreign investment.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Vietnamese Communist Party officially accepted the resignation of President Vo Van Thuong, as declared by the government on Wednesday (Mar 20). This development suggests a period of political instability that could potentially undermine foreign investors' trust in the nation.

The Vietnamese Communist Party officially accepted the resignation of President Vo Van Thuong, as declared by the government on Wednesday (Mar 20). This development suggests a period of political instability that could potentially undermine foreign investors' trust in the nation. The government stated that Thuong had violated party regulations, resulting in adverse public perception and damaging the Party's, State's, and his personal reputation. The Central Party Committee, a crucial decision-making body within Vietnam's Communist Party administration, endorsed Thuong's resignation approximately a year following his election. While the president's role is largely ceremonial, it carries significant political weight as one of the nation's top four positions. Attempts to reach the presidential office for comment on Wednesday were unsuccessful. The committee's decision precedes an extraordinary session of Vietnam's parliament scheduled for Thursday, where deputies are expected to affirm the party's resolutions. Also read | US companies eye $8 billion investment in Vietnam Origins of political upheaval Although the government statement did not specify Thuong's transgressions, recent leadership changes in the single-party state have been linked to the extensive "blazing furnace" anti-bribery campaign. This campaign, while aimed at combating widespread corruption, has been criticised as a tool for political power struggles. Foreign investors and diplomats have expressed concerns about its impact on decision-making processes in Vietnam, exacerbating an already cumbersome bureaucracy. Thuong, aged 53, stepped down shortly after Vietnamese authorities announced the arrest of a former provincial head from Quang Ngai province for alleged corruption dating back a decade. Thuong served as the party chief in the same province during that period. Additionally, he held senior party positions in Ho Chi Minh City, which is grappling with a massive financial scandal currently undergoing a significant trial. Also read | Blinken reiterates USA’s ‘ironclad’ commitment to defend Philippines against attack by China Thuong's close association with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, the driving force behind the anti-graft campaign, further underscores the political dynamics at play. The sudden departure of Thuong raises concerns about political stability and its impact on foreign investment. Recent fluctuations in the Ho Chi Minh City stock exchange and net sales by foreign investors indicate apprehension among investors. While some believe that policy and administrative decisions may slow down further, Vietnam's fundamental stance on key policies is not expected to change drastically. However, repeated leadership changes may erode business sentiment, posing challenges for a country heavily reliant on foreign investment. (With inputs from agencies)

Vietnam president resigns abruptly, prompting concerns about stability

Vietnam’s capital Hanoi has topped the list of world's most polluted metropolitan areas. The swiss air quality monitoring firm IQ-Air published the rankings.

Vietnamese capital Hanoi tops list of most polluted cities

Vietnamese capital Hanoi ranked as world's most polluted metropolitan city

The United States and China agreed on Friday that they would not seek to “decouple” their economies and pledged to take steps to improve the business climates for American and Chinese companies operating in both countries, a significant step toward thawing relations between the world’s largest economies.

Yellen concludes talks with Chinese counterpart

Vietnam and the Philippines agreed on Tuesday (January 30) to boost cooperation among their coastguards and to prevent untoward incidents in the South China Sea, in an announcement during a state visit to Hanoi by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

What deal did Vietnam & Philippines sign on South China Sea security?

<p>A man has been charged with theft after allegedly stealing more than $23,000 in cash from three fellow passengers on a budget flight from Vietnam to Singapore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The suspect, later identified as Zhang Xiuqiang, a 52-year-old Chinese national, was arrested at the city-state’s Changi Airport&nbsp;over the weekend.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What do we know about the incident?</strong></h2>

<p>The incident took place on a two-hour Scoot Airline flight – the low-budget subsidiary of Singapore Airlines – travelling from Ho Chi Minh City to Singapore. Zhang has been charged with three counts of theft on suspicion of ransacking the bags of three passengers.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/twitter-or-x-down-in-india-as-user-timelines-go-blank-671994">X gets going after global outage that blanked out user timelines</a></strong></p>

<p>The Chinese national allegedly stole from three separate passengers, according to the charging documents reported by Singapore’s Channel News Asia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zhang reportedly took about $123 from one passenger’s backpack and took $20,950 and a $38 (50 Singapore dollar note) from a black messenger bag belonging to another.</p>

<p>The 52-year-old allegedly also stole around $1,700 from an envelope he found inside a grey bag belonging to a third passenger.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zhang was formally charged with theft counts in a Singapore district court on Monday (Dec 18) after being remanded for police investigations. If convicted, he could face up to three&nbsp;years in prison, a fine, or both.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How has the airline responded?</strong></h2>

<p>An airline spokesperson told CNN that it “was aware of an incident” that occurred onboard a flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Singapore on December 16.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/australian-fisherman-claims-to-have-found-wreckage-of-mh370-plane-but-was-snubbed-by-authorities-671818">Australian fisherman claims he found wreckage of MH370 plane ‘but was snubbed by authorities’</a></strong></p>

<p>“Our cabin crew was alerted by a passenger to a suspected theft in the cabin and activated the Airport Police Division,” the spokesperson told CNN.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The involved passengers were escorted off the aircraft by airport authorities for further investigation, and disembarkation proceeded as usual for the rest of our passengers.”<br />
&nbsp;<br />
A Scoot Airline spokesperson told CNN that they cannot give any further details about the case and have also asked crew and passengers to remain vigilant on board.</p>

<p>“Our operating crew are trained to be vigilant and alert authorities of any suspicious behaviour on board our flights,” it said in the statement. “We also advise our customers to safeguard their valuables at all times.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


A man has been charged with theft after allegedly stealing more than $23,000 in cash from three fellow passengers on a budget flight from Vietnam to Singapore. The suspect, later identified as Zhang Xiuqiang, a 52-year-old Chinese national, was arrested at the city-state’s Changi Airport over the weekend.

A man has been charged with theft after allegedly stealing more than $23,000 in cash from three fellow passengers on a budget flight from Vietnam to Singapore. The suspect, later identified as Zhang Xiuqiang, a 52-year-old Chinese national, was arrested at the city-state’s Changi Airport over the weekend. What do we know about the incident? The incident took place on a two-hour Scoot Airline flight – the low-budget subsidiary of Singapore Airlines – travelling from Ho Chi Minh City to Singapore. Zhang has been charged with three counts of theft on suspicion of ransacking the bags of three passengers. ALSO READ | X gets going after global outage that blanked out user timelines The Chinese national allegedly stole from three separate passengers, according to the charging documents reported by Singapore’s Channel News Asia. Zhang reportedly took about $123 from one passenger’s backpack and took $20,950 and a $38 (50 Singapore dollar note) from a black messenger bag belonging to another. The 52-year-old allegedly also stole around $1,700 from an envelope he found inside a grey bag belonging to a third passenger. Zhang was formally charged with theft counts in a Singapore district court on Monday (Dec 18) after being remanded for police investigations. If convicted, he could face up to three years in prison, a fine, or both. How has the airline responded? An airline spokesperson told CNN that it “was aware of an incident” that occurred onboard a flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Singapore on December 16. ALSO READ | Australian fisherman claims he found wreckage of MH370 plane ‘but was snubbed by authorities’ “Our cabin crew was alerted by a passenger to a suspected theft in the cabin and activated the Airport Police Division,” the spokesperson told CNN. “The involved passengers were escorted off the aircraft by airport authorities for further investigation, and disembarkation proceeded as usual for the rest of our passengers.” A Scoot Airline spokesperson told CNN that they cannot give any further details about the case and have also asked crew and passengers to remain vigilant on board. “Our operating crew are trained to be vigilant and alert authorities of any suspicious behaviour on board our flights,” it said in the statement. “We also advise our customers to safeguard their valuables at all times.” (With inputs from agencies)

Mid-air heist: Man charged with stealing $23,000 from three fellow passengers

<p>China's President Xi Jinping will meet Vietnamese leaders on Wednesday (Dec 13)&nbsp;on the second day of a state visit to Hanoi, during which dozens of deals have been announced, including on diplomatic ties, railways and telecommunications.</p>

<p>His first trip to Vietnam in six years came after the visit of US President Joe Biden in September, in a sign of the increasing importance of the Southeast Asian manufacturing hub amid trade tensions between the two global powers.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Did China try to steal the CH-47F Chinook Helicopter from Taiwan?</strong></p>

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<p>On Wednesday, Xi will pay tribute to the mausoleum of the founding leader of Communist Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh. He will then meet the chairman of Vietnam's parliament, Vuong Dinh Hue, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and President Vo Van Thuong, according to a schedule from Vietnam's foreign ministry.</p>

<p>During the day, a&nbsp;China-Vietnam joint statement on diplomatic relations is expected to be formally signed after its text was shown to reporters on Tuesday.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kashmir-issue-after-pakistan-china-weighs-in-on-indian-supreme-courts-ruling-on-article-370-668910">Also read:&nbsp;Kashmir issue: After Pakistan, China weighs in on Indian Supreme Court’s ruling on Article 370</a></strong></p>

<p>Xi will meet students before departing in the afternoon from the Vietnamese capital, whose central roads had been festooned with&nbsp;China's and Vietnam's red flags for his visit.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


China's President Xi Jinping will meet Vietnamese leaders on Wednesday (Dec 13) on the second day of a state visit to Hanoi, during which dozens of deals have been announced, including on diplomatic ties, railways and telecommunications.

China's President Xi Jinping will meet Vietnamese leaders on Wednesday (Dec 13) on the second day of a state visit to Hanoi, during which dozens of deals have been announced, including on diplomatic ties, railways and telecommunications. His first trip to Vietnam in six years came after the visit of US President Joe Biden in September, in a sign of the increasing importance of the Southeast Asian manufacturing hub amid trade tensions between the two global powers. Watch: Did China try to steal the CH-47F Chinook Helicopter from Taiwan? × On Wednesday, Xi will pay tribute to the mausoleum of the founding leader of Communist Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh. He will then meet the chairman of Vietnam's parliament, Vuong Dinh Hue, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and President Vo Van Thuong, according to a schedule from Vietnam's foreign ministry. During the day, a China-Vietnam joint statement on diplomatic relations is expected to be formally signed after its text was shown to reporters on Tuesday. Also read: Kashmir issue: After Pakistan, China weighs in on Indian Supreme Court’s ruling on Article 370 Xi will meet students before departing in the afternoon from the Vietnamese capital, whose central roads had been festooned with China's and Vietnam's red flags for his visit. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese leader Xi Jinping to meet Vietnam leaders on second day of state visit to Hanoi

President Xi Jinping will visit neighbouring Vietnam next week to push for deeper ties between the socialist neighbours. According to officials, the visit is from December 12 to 13. Xi's state visit is expected to promote partnership between China and Vietnam.

China President Xi Jinping to visit Vietnam from Dec 12 to 13, is invited by top leaders | WION

President Xi Jinping will visit neighbouring Vietnam next week to push for deeper ties between the socialist neighbours. According to officials, the visit is from December 12 to 13. Xi's state visit is expected to promote partnership between China and Vietnam. According to officials, the two countries will focus on areas of political security, multilateral and maritime issues. China is Vie

Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Vietnam

Barely two months after United States President Joe Biden made his trip to Vietnam President Xi Jinping of China is set to visit neighbouring Hanoi next week to push for deeper ties between the Socialist neighbours. According to officials, the visit is from December 12th to the 13th.

Xi Jinping has been invited by Vietnam's top leaders for a state visit

The former United States Secretary of State and noted diplomat Henry Kissinger has passed away at his home in Connecticut.

American diplomat Henry Kissinger's role in Vietnam-Bangladesh war

<p>Top diplomats of India and Vietnam met in Hanoi on Monday (Oct 16) to discuss the economy and security. Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar met with his Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son and said the interests of both nations are ‘aligned.’</p>

<p>The Indian minister, who is on a four-day visit to Vietnam, also had a meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>“Honoured to call on PM Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam today evening. Conveyed the greetings of PM Narendra Modi. Valued his guidance for the further development of our bilateral relationship. A stronger India-Vietnam partnership contributes to a stable, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” he said in a post on platform X.</p>

<h2><strong>18th India-Vietnam Joint Commission</strong></h2>

<p>Jaishankar is visiting the Southeast Asian nation to attend the 18th India-Vietnam Joint Commission in Hanoi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India and Vietnam in 2016 elevated their bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, the highest distinction.</p>

<p>After Russia and China, India was only the third country to have received this designation.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Biden's visit to focus on China's growing presence in Vietnam</strong></p>

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<p>The two nations have also held joint military exercises in the past, reinforcing their strong ties against the backdrop of an aggressive China in the South China Sea. In June, India's defence ministry announced a transfer of a small warship to the Vietnamese navy.</p>

<p>“Convinced that our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will only further strengthen over the coming years. Also shared perspectives on the Indo-Pacific region, our commitment to global issues and our collaboration in various multilateral groupings,” S Jaishankar said after meeting with Bui Thanh Son.</p>

<h2><strong>Special focus on China</strong></h2>

<p>Both India and Vietnam share boundary disputes with China, and thus the security talks between New Delhi and Hanoi are often centred around Beijing and its activities in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean.</p>

<p>According to the state-run Vietnam News Agency (VNA), both sides reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and aviation, and compliance with international law in the East Sea, resolving disputes based on international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in a veiled reference to China.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-two-killed-500-houses-inundated-after-floods-hit-central-vietnam-646961"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;At least two killed, 500 houses inundated after floods hit central Vietnam</strong></a></p>

<p>India also assured Vietnam that it considered ASEAN as the special focus of its “Act East” policy while pledging to strengthen “the Mekong-Ganga cooperation.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Top diplomats of India and Vietnam met in Hanoi on Monday (Oct 16) to discuss the economy and security. Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar met with his Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son and said the interests of both nations are ‘aligned.

Top diplomats of India and Vietnam met in Hanoi on Monday (Oct 16) to discuss the economy and security. Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar met with his Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son and said the interests of both nations are ‘aligned.’ The Indian minister, who is on a four-day visit to Vietnam, also had a meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Honoured to call on PM Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam today evening. Conveyed the greetings of PM Narendra Modi. Valued his guidance for the further development of our bilateral relationship. A stronger India-Vietnam partnership contributes to a stable, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” he said in a post on platform X. 18th India-Vietnam Joint Commission Jaishankar is visiting the Southeast Asian nation to attend the 18th India-Vietnam Joint Commission in Hanoi. India and Vietnam in 2016 elevated their bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, the highest distinction. After Russia and China, India was only the third country to have received this designation. Watch: Biden's visit to focus on China's growing presence in Vietnam × The two nations have also held joint military exercises in the past, reinforcing their strong ties against the backdrop of an aggressive China in the South China Sea. In June, India's defence ministry announced a transfer of a small warship to the Vietnamese navy. “Convinced that our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will only further strengthen over the coming years. Also shared perspectives on the Indo-Pacific region, our commitment to global issues and our collaboration in various multilateral groupings,” S Jaishankar said after meeting with Bui Thanh Son. Special focus on China Both India and Vietnam share boundary disputes with China, and thus the security talks between New Delhi and Hanoi are often centred around Beijing and its activities in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean. According to the state-run Vietnam News Agency (VNA), both sides reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and aviation, and compliance with international law in the East Sea, resolving disputes based on international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in a veiled reference to China. Also read: At least two killed, 500 houses inundated after floods hit central Vietnam India also assured Vietnam that it considered ASEAN as the special focus of its “Act East” policy while pledging to strengthen “the Mekong-Ganga cooperation.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

‘Our interests are aligned,’ Indian FM Jaishankar declares after meeting with his Vietnamese counterpart

<p>Two people died after being swept away in floodwaters in central Vietnam, state media reported Saturday.</p>

<p>Almost 500 houses were inundated with water in recent days, according to Vietnam's disaster management authority.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The coastal city of Da Nang has been hit with heavy rain, as have areas from Ha Tinh to Quang Nam provinces since Tuesday.</p>

<p>A 61-year-old man and a 13-year-old boy drowned in the floods, according to state media website VnExpress.</p>

<p>Around 5,000 people were evacuated from homes in Da Nang on Friday night and Saturday morning, it said.</p>

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<p>"The floodwater rose to my thighs and all of my family had to move upstairs, before the rescuers came and evacuated us," city resident Dinh Thi Tu Uyen told VnExpress.</p>

<p>In Hue city on Friday, roads flooded by the Perfume River, with water reaching nearly chest-high levels in some areas.</p>

<p>Last weekend three people died in flash floods and landslides in northern Vietnam.</p>

<p>Heavy rain is forecast to continue across the middle of the Southeast Asian nation in coming days.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-palace-of-versailles-louvre-museum-evacuated-after-bomb-threat-amid-high-alert-646872">Palace of Versailles, Louvre Museum evacuated after bomb threats amid ‘high alert’ in France</a></strong></p>

<p>Vietnam is frequently lashed by harsh weather in the rainy season between June and November.</p>

<p>Natural disasters including floods and landslides have claimed around 100 lives in the country since the beginning of the year, according to the country's General Statistics Office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Scientists have warned extreme weather events globally are becoming more intense and frequent due to climate change.&nbsp;<br />
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Two people died after being swept away in floodwaters in central Vietnam, state media reported Saturday. Almost 500 houses were inundated with water in recent days, according to Vietnam's disaster management authority.

Two people died after being swept away in floodwaters in central Vietnam, state media reported Saturday. Almost 500 houses were inundated with water in recent days, according to Vietnam's disaster management authority. The coastal city of Da Nang has been hit with heavy rain, as have areas from Ha Tinh to Quang Nam provinces since Tuesday. A 61-year-old man and a 13-year-old boy drowned in the floods, according to state media website VnExpress. Around 5,000 people were evacuated from homes in Da Nang on Friday night and Saturday morning, it said. ALSO READ | Israel war | Spain warns Israel on demanding mass evacuation: 'Have right to defend yourself but...' "The floodwater rose to my thighs and all of my family had to move upstairs, before the rescuers came and evacuated us," city resident Dinh Thi Tu Uyen told VnExpress. In Hue city on Friday, roads flooded by the Perfume River, with water reaching nearly chest-high levels in some areas. Last weekend three people died in flash floods and landslides in northern Vietnam. Heavy rain is forecast to continue across the middle of the Southeast Asian nation in coming days. ALSO READ | Palace of Versailles, Louvre Museum evacuated after bomb threats amid ‘high alert’ in France Vietnam is frequently lashed by harsh weather in the rainy season between June and November. Natural disasters including floods and landslides have claimed around 100 lives in the country since the beginning of the year, according to the country's General Statistics Office. Scientists have warned extreme weather events globally are becoming more intense and frequent due to climate change. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

At least two killed, 500 houses inundated after floods hit central Vietnam

Heavy rains in the nation have turned roads into rivers. Some Hanoi districts recorded up to ten inches of rain. Weather agencies are warning of possible landslides. According to the national weather agency, floods have now become a common phenomenon in Vietnam. The country's drainage systems are struggling to accommodate the rapidly growing population. In Hanoi, the heavy downpour has led to a rapid rise in water levels. Forcing residents to evacuate their homes.

Vietnam records up to 10 inches of rain

Severe floods lashed several parts of Vietnam on Wednesday. as per local media reports, residents in the affected region were stranded for hours without food, drinking water and electricity.

Floods leave residents stuck without food, water & electricity

Against the backdrop of an aggressive China, the United States has been trying to make inroads in the Southeast Asian region.

US in talks with Vietnam for an arms deal

<p>The Biden administration is in talks with Vietnam over an agreement for the largest arms transfer in history between the ex-Cold War adversaries, according to two people familiar with a deal that could irk China and sideline Russia.</p>

<p>A package, which could come together within the next year, could consummate the newly upgraded partnership between Washington and Hanoi with the sale of a fleet of American F-16 fighter jets as the Southeast Asian nation faces tensions with Beijing in the disputed South China Sea, one of the people said.</p>

<p>The deal is still in its early stages, with exact terms yet to be worked out, and may not come together. But it was a key topic of Vietnamese-U.S. official talks in Hanoi, New York and Washington over the past month.</p>

<p>Washington is considering structuring special financing terms for the pricey equipment that could help cash-strapped Hanoi steer away from its traditional reliance on lower-cost, Russian-made arms, according to the other source, who declined to be named.</p>

<p>Spokespersons for the White House and Vietnamese foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comment.</p>

<p>"We have a very productive and promising security relationship with the Vietnamese and we do see interesting movement from them in some U.S. systems, in particular anything that can help them better monitor their maritime domain, perhaps transport aircraft and some other platforms," said a U.S. official.</p>

<p>"Part of what we're working on internally as the U.S. government is being creative about how we could try to provide better financing options to Vietnam to get them things that might be really useful to them."</p>

<p>A major U.S.-Vietnam arms deal could aggravate China, Vietnam's larger neighbour, which is wary of Western efforts to box in Beijing. A long-simmering territorial dispute between Vietnam and China is heating up in the South China Sea and explains why Vietnam is looking to build up maritime defences.</p>

<p>"They are developing asymmetric defensive capabilities, but (want) to do so without triggering a response from China," said Jeffrey Ordaniel, associate professor of international security studies at Tokyo International University and director for maritime security at Pacific Forum International, a think tank. "It is a delicate balancing act."</p>

<p>Ordaniel said Washington should shift funds set aside for financing militaries in the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific region "so partners like Vietnam, the Philippines and Taiwan can afford the weapons they need to resist Beijing."</p>

<p>The Biden administration has said it is trying to balance geopolitical competition with China, including in the Pacific, and responsibly managing the two superpowers' relationship.</p>

<p>Earlier this month, Vietnam upgraded Washington to Hanoi's highest diplomatic status, alongside China and Russia, when U.S. President Joe Biden visited the country.</p>

<p>The diplomatic turnaround marks a sharp pivot nearly a half-century after the end of the Vietnam War.</p>

<p>Since an arms embargo was lifted in 2016, U.S. defence exports to Vietnam have been limited to coast guard ships and trainer aircraft, while Russia has supplied about 80% of the country's arsenal.</p>

<p>Vietnam spends an estimated $2 billion annually in arms imports, and Washington is optimistic that they can shift a share of that budget over the long term to weapons from the United States or its allies and partners, especially South Korea and India.</p>

<p>The cost of U.S. weaponry is a major obstacle, as is training on the equipment, and is among the reasons the country has taken in less than $400 million of American arms over the past decade.</p>

<p>"Vietnamese officials are well aware that they need to spread the wealth," the U.S. official said. "We need to lead the charge in helping Vietnam get what it needs."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine has complicated Hanoi's longstanding relationship with Moscow, making supplies and spare parts for Russian-made arms harder to acquire. Nonetheless, Vietnam is also actively in talks with Moscow over a new arms supply deal that could trigger U.S. sanctions, Reuters has reported.</p>

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The Biden administration is in talks with Vietnam over an agreement for the largest arms transfer in history between the ex-Cold War adversaries, according to two people familiar with a deal that could irk China and sideline Russia.

The Biden administration is in talks with Vietnam over an agreement for the largest arms transfer in history between the ex-Cold War adversaries, according to two people familiar with a deal that could irk China and sideline Russia. A package, which could come together within the next year, could consummate the newly upgraded partnership between Washington and Hanoi with the sale of a fleet of American F-16 fighter jets as the Southeast Asian nation faces tensions with Beijing in the disputed South China Sea, one of the people said. The deal is still in its early stages, with exact terms yet to be worked out, and may not come together. But it was a key topic of Vietnamese-U.S. official talks in Hanoi, New York and Washington over the past month. Washington is considering structuring special financing terms for the pricey equipment that could help cash-strapped Hanoi steer away from its traditional reliance on lower-cost, Russian-made arms, according to the other source, who declined to be named. Spokespersons for the White House and Vietnamese foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comment. "We have a very productive and promising security relationship with the Vietnamese and we do see interesting movement from them in some U.S. systems, in particular anything that can help them better monitor their maritime domain, perhaps transport aircraft and some other platforms," said a U.S. official. "Part of what we're working on internally as the U.S. government is being creative about how we could try to provide better financing options to Vietnam to get them things that might be really useful to them." A major U.S.-Vietnam arms deal could aggravate China, Vietnam's larger neighbour, which is wary of Western efforts to box in Beijing. A long-simmering territorial dispute between Vietnam and China is heating up in the South China Sea and explains why Vietnam is looking to build up maritime defences. "They are developing asymmetric defensive capabilities, but (want) to do so without triggering a response from China," said Jeffrey Ordaniel, associate professor of international security studies at Tokyo International University and director for maritime security at Pacific Forum International, a think tank. "It is a delicate balancing act." Ordaniel said Washington should shift funds set aside for financing militaries in the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific region "so partners like Vietnam, the Philippines and Taiwan can afford the weapons they need to resist Beijing." The Biden administration has said it is trying to balance geopolitical competition with China, including in the Pacific, and responsibly managing the two superpowers' relationship. Earlier this month, Vietnam upgraded Washington to Hanoi's highest diplomatic status, alongside China and Russia, when U.S. President Joe Biden visited the country. The diplomatic turnaround marks a sharp pivot nearly a half-century after the end of the Vietnam War. Since an arms embargo was lifted in 2016, U.S. defence exports to Vietnam have been limited to coast guard ships and trainer aircraft, while Russia has supplied about 80% of the country's arsenal. Vietnam spends an estimated $2 billion annually in arms imports, and Washington is optimistic that they can shift a share of that budget over the long term to weapons from the United States or its allies and partners, especially South Korea and India. The cost of U.S. weaponry is a major obstacle, as is training on the equipment, and is among the reasons the country has taken in less than $400 million of American arms over the past decade. "Vietnamese officials are well aware that they need to spread the wealth," the U.S. official said. "We need to lead the charge in helping Vietnam get what it needs." Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine has complicated Hanoi's longstanding relationship with Moscow, making supplies and spare parts for Russian-made arms harder to acquire. Nonetheless, Vietnam is also actively in talks with Moscow over a new arms supply deal that could trigger U.S. sanctions, Reuters has reported. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Joe Biden aides in talks with Vietnam for arms deal that could irk China

<p>Reports from state media on Wednesday (September 13) suggest that a devastating fire in an apartment block in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, may have resulted in multiple deaths.</p>

<p>The fire erupted in the middle of the night in a 10-storey building housing with approximately 150 residents.</p>

<p>According to the official Vietnam News Agency, witnesses said&nbsp;the blaze started shortly before midnight on Tuesday. Authorities have rescued around 70 people, with 54 rushed to hospitals, including over 50 fatalities. While the fire has been extinguished, rescue operations to locate survivors continue, reported AFP.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dozens dead in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hanoi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hanoi</a> apartment <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fire</a><br />
Hanoi (AFP) – Dozens of people died in a fire at an apartment block in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vietnam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vietnam</a>'s capital Hanoi, state media said Wednesday, with witnesses reporting screams from inside and a small boy thrown from the building. <a href="https://t.co/1YjvEToOU5">pic.twitter.com/1YjvEToOU5</a></p>
— Oriental 2 News (@Oriental2news) <a href="https://twitter.com/Oriental2news/status/1701866794561290648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Death toll likely to increase</strong></h2>

<p>Investigations into the fire's cause are underway, and the official death toll is pending, though initial reports suggest more than a dozen casualties.</p>

<p>Deputy Minister of Public Security Le Van Tuyen noted the "very high" casualty count in this apartment block fire, and Dr Dao Xuan Co, director of Bach Mai Hospital, reported patients suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning were among the injured.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vietnam-sign-comprehensive-strategic-partnership-during-bidens-visit-634576">US, Vietnam sign 'comprehensive strategic partnership' during Biden's visit</a></p>

<p>Residents who leapt from the burning building have sustained multiple injuries and are currently undergoing medical treatment, as disclosed by the director of the hospital.</p>

<p>Vietnam's Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chinh, has called for a thorough investigation into the fire's cause and expressed condolences to the victims' families.</p>

<p>The Prime Minister has also urged regular assessments of buildings at high risk of fire, especially densely populated ones, as reported by Vietnam Net News.</p>

<p>This incident comes nearly a year after a devastating fire in a karaoke bar in Thuan An city, Binh Duong province, claimed the lives of 32 people.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US President Joe Biden wraps up rambling Vietnam press conference in candid way</strong></p>

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<p>The fire, which quickly engulfed the multi-storey building's second floor, left workers and patrons trapped, forcing some to leap from windows. Several suffered injuries from these jumps, while others succumbed to asphyxiation. Authorities estimated that at least 60 people were present in the crowded karaoke establishment when the fire broke out.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Reports from state media on Wednesday (September 13) suggest that a devastating fire in an apartment block in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, may have resulted in multiple deaths.

Reports from state media on Wednesday (September 13) suggest that a devastating fire in an apartment block in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, may have resulted in multiple deaths. The fire erupted in the middle of the night in a 10-storey building housing with approximately 150 residents. According to the official Vietnam News Agency, witnesses said the blaze started shortly before midnight on Tuesday. Authorities have rescued around 70 people, with 54 rushed to hospitals, including over 50 fatalities. While the fire has been extinguished, rescue operations to locate survivors continue, reported AFP. Dozens dead in #Hanoi apartment #fire Hanoi (AFP) – Dozens of people died in a fire at an apartment block in #Vietnam's capital Hanoi, state media said Wednesday, with witnesses reporting screams from inside and a small boy thrown from the building. pic.twitter.com/1YjvEToOU5 — Oriental 2 News (@Oriental2news) September 13, 2023 × Death toll likely to increase Investigations into the fire's cause are underway, and the official death toll is pending, though initial reports suggest more than a dozen casualties. Deputy Minister of Public Security Le Van Tuyen noted the "very high" casualty count in this apartment block fire, and Dr Dao Xuan Co, director of Bach Mai Hospital, reported patients suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning were among the injured. Also read | US, Vietnam sign 'comprehensive strategic partnership' during Biden's visit Residents who leapt from the burning building have sustained multiple injuries and are currently undergoing medical treatment, as disclosed by the director of the hospital. Vietnam's Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chinh, has called for a thorough investigation into the fire's cause and expressed condolences to the victims' families. The Prime Minister has also urged regular assessments of buildings at high risk of fire, especially densely populated ones, as reported by Vietnam Net News. This incident comes nearly a year after a devastating fire in a karaoke bar in Thuan An city, Binh Duong province, claimed the lives of 32 people. Also watch | US President Joe Biden wraps up rambling Vietnam press conference in candid way The fire, which quickly engulfed the multi-storey building's second floor, left workers and patrons trapped, forcing some to leap from windows. Several suffered injuries from these jumps, while others succumbed to asphyxiation. Authorities estimated that at least 60 people were present in the crowded karaoke establishment when the fire broke out. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Vietnam: Major fire engulfs Hanoi apartment block, over 50 feared dead

<p>US President Joe Biden concluded his inaugural Asia trip with a press conference in Vietnam which was marred by bizarre, meandering responses, awkward humour, and an unusual request for a nap in an exercise that lasted around 26 minutes.</p>

<p>Biden, as is the case with most US presidents, is often described as 'leader of the first world'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the Sunday night's press conference, Biden was dodged by jazz music mid-speech akin to a lengthy awards ceremony.</p>

<h2><strong>Biden Vietnam Press Conference gaffe: What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>Biden began his remarks with discussions of stability and the Southern Hemisphere. Following Biden's meandering responses that the Republicans typically associate with his old age, the press conference&nbsp;was cut short when White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, abruptly ended the event.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-visits-hanoi-amid-vietnams-plans-to-purchase-russian-weapons-by-dodging-us-sanctions-634688">Joe Biden visits Hanoi amid Vietnam's plans to purchase Russian weapons by dodging US sanctions</a></strong></p>

<p>Unaware that his microphone had been muted, Biden continued speaking while soothing jazz melodies filled the room.</p>

<p>Eventually, he put away his notes and exited the stage behind a curtain.</p>

<p>The press conference in Hanoi, intended as Biden's Asia trip's grand finale, instead became a spectacle of missteps and gaffes.</p>

<p>Biden appeared fatigued and disoriented, frequently going off-topic and cracking Poor Jokes (PJs).</p>

<p>At one point, he even mentioned going to bed after the 26-minute conference and following staff instructions on which questions to address while dismissing "softball" queries.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">WATCH: Joe Biden's staff cuts off a rambling Joe Biden mid-sentence and abruptly ends his news conference.<br />
<br />
I have never seen this occur with any other president. <a href="https://t.co/LqvW2VsESH">pic.twitter.com/LqvW2VsESH</a></p>
— Andrew @ Don’t Walk, RUN! (@DontWalkRUN) <a href="https://twitter.com/DontWalkRUN/status/1700886354966573388?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Biden's journey to India to attend the New Delhi G20 summit and a bilateral visit to&nbsp;Vietnam aimed to address China's increasing influence and expansionist aggression.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vietnam-sign-comprehensive-strategic-partnership-during-bidens-visit-634576">US, Vietnam sign 'comprehensive strategic partnership' during Biden's visit</a></strong></p>

<p>Biden's comments on the China-Taiwan dispute&nbsp;caused a stir after he declared that the US would respond militarily if China attacked Taiwan, contradicting the previous policy of Washington's strategic ambiguity.</p>

<p>Later, he clarified his stance, stating that he sought a positive relationship with China.</p>

<p>Biden’s press conference gaffe drew widespread criticism on social media where users questioned his ability to lead the United States due to the effects of old age inhibiting regular presidential business, such as press briefings.</p>

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US President Joe Biden concluded his inaugural Asia trip with a press conference in Vietnam which was marred by bizarre, meandering responses, awkward humour, and an unusual request for a nap in an exercise that lasted around 26 minutes.

US President Joe Biden concluded his inaugural Asia trip with a press conference in Vietnam which was marred by bizarre, meandering responses, awkward humour, and an unusual request for a nap in an exercise that lasted around 26 minutes. Biden, as is the case with most US presidents, is often described as 'leader of the first world'. During the Sunday night's press conference, Biden was dodged by jazz music mid-speech akin to a lengthy awards ceremony. Biden Vietnam Press Conference gaffe: What happened? Biden began his remarks with discussions of stability and the Southern Hemisphere. Following Biden's meandering responses that the Republicans typically associate with his old age, the press conference was cut short when White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, abruptly ended the event. Also read | Joe Biden visits Hanoi amid Vietnam's plans to purchase Russian weapons by dodging US sanctions Unaware that his microphone had been muted, Biden continued speaking while soothing jazz melodies filled the room. Eventually, he put away his notes and exited the stage behind a curtain. The press conference in Hanoi, intended as Biden's Asia trip's grand finale, instead became a spectacle of missteps and gaffes. Biden appeared fatigued and disoriented, frequently going off-topic and cracking Poor Jokes (PJs). At one point, he even mentioned going to bed after the 26-minute conference and following staff instructions on which questions to address while dismissing "softball" queries. WATCH: Joe Biden's staff cuts off a rambling Joe Biden mid-sentence and abruptly ends his news conference. I have never seen this occur with any other president. pic.twitter.com/LqvW2VsESH — Andrew @ Don’t Walk, RUN! (@DontWalkRUN) September 10, 2023 × Biden's journey to India to attend the New Delhi G20 summit and a bilateral visit to Vietnam aimed to address China's increasing influence and expansionist aggression. Also read | US, Vietnam sign 'comprehensive strategic partnership' during Biden's visit Biden's comments on the China-Taiwan dispute caused a stir after he declared that the US would respond militarily if China attacked Taiwan, contradicting the previous policy of Washington's strategic ambiguity. Later, he clarified his stance, stating that he sought a positive relationship with China. Biden’s press conference gaffe drew widespread criticism on social media where users questioned his ability to lead the United States due to the effects of old age inhibiting regular presidential business, such as press briefings. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Watch | A nap request, jazz music and more: Inside Biden's Vietnam press briefing gaffe

In a historic visit to Vietnam on Sunday, US President Joe Biden not only secured crucial deals on semiconductors and minerals but also elevated Vietnam to top-tier diplomatic status alongside China and Russia.

Biden secures key deals and elevates diplomatic status in Vietnam

<p>The optics of US President Joe Biden being given a ceremonial welcome outside Vietnam's Presidential Palace are being deemed as signs of the way Washington and Hanoi have come to terms with their troubled history consisting of&nbsp;Washington's deadliest military intervention&nbsp;in modern history that killed millions.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you for the warm welcome, Vietnam.<br />
<br />
I know this will be a historic visit. <a href="https://t.co/df2h4uMFuk">pic.twitter.com/df2h4uMFuk</a></p>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1700894421821030801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Moreover, Biden's visit has purportedly&nbsp;"solidified" US-Vietnam bilateral ties into a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership", in what the <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1701024984833900666">White House described</a> as Vietnam's highest tier of international partnership.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vietnam-sign-comprehensive-strategic-partnership-during-bidens-visit-634576">US, Vietnam sign 'comprehensive strategic partnership' during Biden's visit</a></strong></p>

<p>But&nbsp;below the surface of the elevating&nbsp;US-Vietnam relationship, Hanoi also has&nbsp;plans to purchase a significant arsenal of weapons from Russia in defiance of American sanctions, according to an internal Vietnamese government document dated March 2023, New York Times reported.</p>

<h2><b>Vietnam's potential defence ties with Russia: What does the document reveal?</b></h2>

<p>The document from Vietnam's Ministry of Finance reportedly outlines Vietnam's strategy to modernise its military by secretly funding defence acquisitions through transactions within a joint Vietnamese-Russian oil venture in Siberia.</p>

<p>The document, signed by a Vietnamese deputy finance minister, highlights Vietnam's efforts to strengthen strategic trust with Russia, particularly at a time when Russian defence exports have come under Western scrutiny amid its offensive in Ukraine.</p>

<p>Funds for these arms would be transferred within the accounts of a Russian-Vietnamese joint venture called Rusvietpetro, which operates in northern Russia's oil and natural gas sector.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>For Vietnam, the move is reflective of its historical reliance on Russian weaponry and will to dodge the&nbsp;US sanctions against countries buying Russian arms.</p>

<p>The US sanctions have purportedly disrupted Vietnam's plans to upgrade its military, crucial for countering Chinese expansionists in the South China Sea. Such sanctions, however, have partly pushed Vietnam to forge renewed defence ties with countries such as India. New Delhi and Vietnam&nbsp;have&nbsp;signed a Joint Vision Statement on the India-Vietnam&nbsp;Defence&nbsp;Partnership towards 2030, "which will significantly enhance the scope and scale of existing defence cooperation".</p>

<h2><strong>Why is it difficult for Vietnam to move away from Russian weapons?</strong></h2>

<p>The challenges faced by the Vietnamese in diversifying the supplies for their&nbsp;defence needs are not much different from their Indian counterparts.</p>

<p>One of the most practical challenges remains with the control boards that are in Cyrillic for the fighter jets and submarines that New Delhi and Hanoi have imported from Russia and the erstwhile Soviet Union over the decades. A shift from Cyrillic requires both time (in terms of training duration for another system) and money, of course.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Vietnam's ties with the United States and Russia: What's the bottom line?</strong></h2>

<p>Vietnam's ties with Russia and the United States underscore the geopolitical tensions in the region elevated by Chinese expansionist practices in the region, with Hanoi's historical allegiances and practical considerations in the context of its improving ties with the United States shaping the&nbsp;decisions related to its defence needs.</p>

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The optics of US President Joe Biden being given a ceremonial welcome outside Vietnam's Presidential Palace are being deemed as signs of the way Washington and Hanoi have come to terms with their troubled history consisting of Washington's deadliest military intervention in modern history that killed millions.

The optics of US President Joe Biden being given a ceremonial welcome outside Vietnam's Presidential Palace are being deemed as signs of the way Washington and Hanoi have come to terms with their troubled history consisting of Washington's deadliest military intervention in modern history that killed millions. Thank you for the warm welcome, Vietnam. I know this will be a historic visit. pic.twitter.com/df2h4uMFuk — President Biden (@POTUS) September 10, 2023 × Moreover, Biden's visit has purportedly "solidified" US-Vietnam bilateral ties into a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership", in what the White House described as Vietnam's highest tier of international partnership. Also read | US, Vietnam sign 'comprehensive strategic partnership' during Biden's visit But below the surface of the elevating US-Vietnam relationship, Hanoi also has plans to purchase a significant arsenal of weapons from Russia in defiance of American sanctions, according to an internal Vietnamese government document dated March 2023, New York Times reported. Vietnam's potential defence ties with Russia: What does the document reveal? The document from Vietnam's Ministry of Finance reportedly outlines Vietnam's strategy to modernise its military by secretly funding defence acquisitions through transactions within a joint Vietnamese-Russian oil venture in Siberia. The document, signed by a Vietnamese deputy finance minister, highlights Vietnam's efforts to strengthen strategic trust with Russia, particularly at a time when Russian defence exports have come under Western scrutiny amid its offensive in Ukraine. Funds for these arms would be transferred within the accounts of a Russian-Vietnamese joint venture called Rusvietpetro, which operates in northern Russia's oil and natural gas sector. What does it mean? For Vietnam, the move is reflective of its historical reliance on Russian weaponry and will to dodge the US sanctions against countries buying Russian arms. The US sanctions have purportedly disrupted Vietnam's plans to upgrade its military, crucial for countering Chinese expansionists in the South China Sea. Such sanctions, however, have partly pushed Vietnam to forge renewed defence ties with countries such as India. New Delhi and Vietnam have signed a Joint Vision Statement on the India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030, "which will significantly enhance the scope and scale of existing defence cooperation". Why is it difficult for Vietnam to move away from Russian weapons? The challenges faced by the Vietnamese in diversifying the supplies for their defence needs are not much different from their Indian counterparts. One of the most practical challenges remains with the control boards that are in Cyrillic for the fighter jets and submarines that New Delhi and Hanoi have imported from Russia and the erstwhile Soviet Union over the decades. A shift from Cyrillic requires both time (in terms of training duration for another system) and money, of course. Vietnam's ties with the United States and Russia: What's the bottom line? Vietnam's ties with Russia and the United States underscore the geopolitical tensions in the region elevated by Chinese expansionist practices in the region, with Hanoi's historical allegiances and practical considerations in the context of its improving ties with the United States shaping the decisions related to its defence needs. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Joe Biden visits Hanoi amid Vietnam's plans to purchase Russian weapons by dodging US sanctions

<p>Vietnam Airlines has finalised a substantial $7.8 billion agreement with American aircraft manufacturer Boeing, according to a statement released by the White House on Monday (September 11). The deal, forged&nbsp;after a meeting between US President Joe Biden and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi, has been hailed as a landmark development, reported AFP.</p>

<h2><strong>Boosting US employment</strong></h2>

<p>The White House said&nbsp;that this deal is poised to give&nbsp;a substantial kick to the US job market. It is expected to support more than 30,000 jobs across various sectors in the United States, further solidifying the economic ties between the two nations.</p>

<h2><strong>Details of the deal</strong></h2>

<p>Vietnam Airlines, Vietnam's national carrier, is set to acquire a total of 50 Boeing 737 aircraft as part of this agreement. President Biden shared this information during a roundtable discussion with senior executives from prominent American and Vietnamese companies, including representatives from both Boeing and Vietnam Airlines. This significant purchase by Vietnam Airlines comes as a strategic move to replace older aircraft in their fleet, some of which have been in service for over a decade, as reported by state media.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-visits-hanoi-amid-vietnams-plans-to-purchase-russian-weapons-by-dodging-us-sanctions-634688">Joe Biden visits Hanoi amid Vietnam's plans to purchase Russian weapons by dodging US sanctions</a></p>

<h2><strong>Rising demand in Vietnam's aviation sector</strong></h2>

<p>Vietnam's aviation sector has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, driven by the expanding middle class with an increasing appetite for air travel. This partnership with Boeing marks a significant step for Vietnam Airlines in modernising its fleet to cater to the growing demands of air travel within the country and beyond.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Joe Biden in Vietnam: China trying to change rules of the game</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/joe-biden-in-vietnam-china-trying-to-change-rules-of-the-game-634610/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>Warning against China</strong></h2>

<p>Additionally, the United States and&nbsp;Vietnam&nbsp;jointly warned against the "threat or use of force" in the disputed South China Sea, days after the latest clash involving Chinese vessels.</p>

<p>President Joe Biden and&nbsp;Vietnam's Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong said the competing claims on the strategic waterway must be resolved under international norms.</p>

<p>Beijing claims almost the entire sea&nbsp;through which trillions of dollars in trade passes annually, and has completely sidelined an international court ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.</p>

<p>"The leaders underscored their unwavering support for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, without the threat or use of force," Biden and Trong said in a joint statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Vietnam Airlines has finalised a substantial $7.8 billion agreement with American aircraft manufacturer Boeing, according to a statement released by the White House on Monday (September 11).

Vietnam Airlines has finalised a substantial $7.8 billion agreement with American aircraft manufacturer Boeing, according to a statement released by the White House on Monday (September 11). The deal, forged after a meeting between US President Joe Biden and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi, has been hailed as a landmark development, reported AFP. Boosting US employment The White House said that this deal is poised to give a substantial kick to the US job market. It is expected to support more than 30,000 jobs across various sectors in the United States, further solidifying the economic ties between the two nations. Details of the deal Vietnam Airlines, Vietnam's national carrier, is set to acquire a total of 50 Boeing 737 aircraft as part of this agreement. President Biden shared this information during a roundtable discussion with senior executives from prominent American and Vietnamese companies, including representatives from both Boeing and Vietnam Airlines. This significant purchase by Vietnam Airlines comes as a strategic move to replace older aircraft in their fleet, some of which have been in service for over a decade, as reported by state media. Also read | Joe Biden visits Hanoi amid Vietnam's plans to purchase Russian weapons by dodging US sanctions Rising demand in Vietnam's aviation sector Vietnam's aviation sector has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, driven by the expanding middle class with an increasing appetite for air travel. This partnership with Boeing marks a significant step for Vietnam Airlines in modernising its fleet to cater to the growing demands of air travel within the country and beyond. Also watch | Joe Biden in Vietnam: China trying to change rules of the game Warning against China Additionally, the United States and Vietnam jointly warned against the "threat or use of force" in the disputed South China Sea, days after the latest clash involving Chinese vessels. President Joe Biden and Vietnam's Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong said the competing claims on the strategic waterway must be resolved under international norms. Beijing claims almost the entire sea through which trillions of dollars in trade passes annually, and has completely sidelined an international court ruling that its assertion has no legal basis. "The leaders underscored their unwavering support for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, without the threat or use of force," Biden and Trong said in a joint statement. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Vietnam Airlines reaches $7.8bn deal with US Boeing, confirms White House

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