Vietnam has moved up its timeline for the mandatory use of biofuel despite concerns over supply levels, quality and cost, as it seeks to strengthen energy security while the Middle East conflict drags on.
Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed closer ties with Vietnam over the two countries’ shared political system as he met with the Southeast Asian nation’s party chief and newly appointed president, To Lam, in Beijing.
President Xi Jinping meets with Vietnam's President To Lam in Beijing, on April 15.
Vietnam’s party chief and newly appointed president, To Lam, is set to meet Xi Jinping in China this week, seeking to shore up energy security as the war in Iran raises global supply risks and pushes Hanoi to deepen cooperation with its largest trading partner.
Vietnam’s National Assembly elected Communist Party chief To Lam as president on Tuesday, consolidating the country’s top party and state roles in a rare concentration of power as he moves to tighten control and tackle economic headwinds.
Vietnam’s police launched criminal proceedings into prominent journalist and blogger Le Anh Hung for alleged anti-state activities in a country where authorities maintain a tightly controlled media environment.
A Vietnamese national flag Photographer: Ore Huiying/Bloomberg
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