Vietnam’s top leader To Lam is seeking to hold trade talks with US President Donald Trump next week during a visit to Washington, according to people familiar with the matter, after months of negotiations failed to produce a breakthrough on the thorny question of “transshipped” goods.
Vietnam’s new Politburo has been revealed as the Communist Party Congress wrapped up early in Hanoi, with To Lam winning a full five-year term as party chief, seemingly with minimal backroom wrangling.
Vietnam's relected Communist Party General Secretary To Lam addresses a press conference after the closing ceremony of the Communist Party of Vietnam's (CPV) 14th National Congress at the National Convention Centre in Hanoi on January 23, 2026. Vietnam's Communist Party "unanimously" re-elected To Lam to the post of general secretary on January 23, it said on its website, confirming he will remain the country's top leader for the next five years. (Photo by Nhac NGUYEN / AFP via Getty Images)
Vietnam’s leader To Lam has secured further authority from the ruling Communist Party to guide the country’s future and continue his aggressive “new growth model” for the economy.
Vietnam’s leader To Lam has secured further authority from the ruling Communist Party to guide the country’s future and continue his aggressive “new growth model” for the economy.
Vietnam’s Communist Party chose a new top decision-making body with some high-profile names missing, placing chief To Lam one step closer to strengthening his grip on power.
Pham Minh Chinh, Vietnam's prime minister, at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. Regional and global leaders are gathering for one of the most closely watched meetings of the year, with US President Donald Trump slated to meet a host of Asian leaders during his three-nation tour of the region. Photographer: Samsul Said/Bloomberg
Vietnam’s Communist Party chose a new top decision-making body with some high-profile names missing, placing chief To Lam one step closer to strengthening his grip on power.
Pham Minh Chinh, Vietnam's prime minister, at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. Regional and global leaders are gathering for one of the most closely watched meetings of the year, with US President Donald Trump slated to meet a host of Asian leaders during his three-nation tour of the region. Photographer: Samsul Said/Bloomberg
The western districts of Hanoi, home to wide boulevards and a national stadium, are far removed from the dense street life of the Old Quarter. But they’ve taken on an even more austere tone this week as Vietnam’s most powerful officials gather to select the country’s next leaders.
Delegates arrive to attend the meeting of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam in Hanoi on Jan. 21. Photographer: Nhac Nguyen/AFP/Getty Images
To Lam is seeking a pair of roles going into a crucial Communist Party Congress in order to consolidate power, as his reforms draw praise from business but meet resistance within party ranks.
Vietnam's To Lam during a welcome ceremony for Russia's President Vladimir Putin at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi in 2024.
To Lam is seeking a pair of roles going into a crucial Communist Party Congress in order to consolidate power, as his reforms draw praise from business but meet resistance within party ranks.
Vietnam's To Lam during a welcome ceremony for Russia's President Vladimir Putin at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi in 2024.
Vietnam’s Communist Party will nominate current General Secretary To Lam to stay in the top job, according to people familiar with the matter, paving the way for him to push on with a reform program that’s reshaping the nation.
Vietnam has replaced the trade minister who oversaw US tariff deal negotiations as Communist Party officials meet to decide who will be in contention for the country’s top leadership positions.
Operations at Tan Vu Terminal in Vietnam. Photographer: Linh Pham/Bloomberg
The US seeks to expand and deepen its defense relationship with Vietnam, according to Washington’s top envoy to the nation, as the two sides continue to hammer out details of a trade deal.
Marc Knapper on Dec. 13. Source: US Embassy in Vietnam
The US seeks to expand and deepen its defense relationship with Vietnam, according to Washington’s top envoy to the nation, as the two sides continue to hammer out details of a trade deal.
Marc Knapper on Dec. 13. Source: US Embassy in Vietnam
The US seeks to expand and deepen its defense relationship with Vietnam, according to Washington’s top envoy to the nation, as the two sides continue to hammer out details of a trade deal.
Marc Knapper on Dec. 13. Source: US Embassy in Vietnam
Vietnam’s parliament passed amendments to the press law that tighten restrictions over information gathering and sharing, potentially putting more pressure on journalists and their sources.
A vendor arranges Vietnamese newspapers at a stall in Hanoi.
Novaland Investment Group, one of Vietnam’s largest real estate firms, is in talks to raise fresh funds to repay some outstanding bonds as it plots a return to profitability by resuming stalled projects.
Vietnam has faced extreme storm after extreme storm this year, including one that nearly set a global rainfall record. The disasters have left the country and its scant defenses reeling. Today’s newsletter looks at the costly challenges Vietnam faces in adapting to climate change, a problem other nations are also grappling with.
People navigate a flooded street on boats during heavy rains in Hoi An on Oct. 30. Photographer: NHAC NGUYEN/AFP
Vietnam has been pounded by a series of deadly disasters and historic floods this year that have racked up at least $3 billion in losses and exposed the nation’s flimsy climate defenses, just as another storm bears down on the region.
A woman rows a boat on a flooded street following heavy rains in Hoi An on Oct. 30.
Heavy rainfall has unleashed deadly floods across Southeast Asia, damaging crops and stranding tourists, with more downpours expected into early next week.
Flood waters in Hat Yai, Songkhla province, Thailand, on Nov. 25.
In the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, a sprawling complex of nearly 3,800 abandoned apartments, originally earmarked for families who’d been moved off their land, is back on the market after four failed auction attempts.
Abandoned apartments in Ho Chi Minh City. Photographer: Cao Ban/Bloomberg