Vietnam : arrests escalate ahead of party congress
Authorities target independent bloggers, democracy activists
Vietnam’s 14th national congress : power, reform, and the next political generation
This month’s conclave could prove the most significant in a generation, determining whether Vietnam’s single-party system can evolve to meet contemporary demands.
Vietnam party chief Lam seeks dual role in shift toward China-style power model
Vietnam’s Communist Party chief To Lam is seeking to combine his top party post with the state presidency, a move that would significantly alter the country’s long-standing power-sharing arrangement and bring it closer to China’s political model.
Foreign diplomats express confidence in Vietnam’s direction ahead of 14th Party Congress
As Vietnam approaches a defining political milestone, foreign diplomats have expressed strong confidence in the country’s leadership, development strategy and long-term vision, viewing the upcoming congress as a pivotal moment that will shape Vietnam’s next growth phase and strengthen its…
A decade of repression: How Việt Nam jailed dissidents, journalists, and rights defenders
On Dec. 31, 2025, a Vietnamese court convicted and sentenced prominent political dissident Nguyễn Văn Đài to 17 years in prison under Article 117, which criminalizes what the law terms “propagandizing against the state.”
‘Vietnam’s new industrial policy under Tô Lâm’: key takeaways
The 13th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the 15th National Assembly are nearing the end of their terms as 2025 approaches its final days. This final stretch offers a retrospective vantage point to take stock of…
Vietnam faces a strategic crossroads in 2026
Vietnam is at a critical juncture in both its domestic politics and foreign relations. The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam in late January 2026 will elect a new team to lead the government for the next…
To Lam, reformist risk-taker, seeks to extend his hold on Vietnam
Vietnam’s Communist Party chief To Lam, who is seeking a new mandate as the country’s top leader, has earned a reputation as an ambitious risk-taker whose brief initial tenure was defined by rapid, sweeping reforms and a commanding leadership style.
Inside Vietnam’s leadership transition
Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party will convene its 14th five-yearly congress from January 19–25, a tightly choreographed political event that will determine the country’s top leadership and policy direction through 2030.
Strains showing in Vietnam as Tô Lâm concentrates power
Vietnam is entering the second and more unpredictable phase of its political transition following the July 2024 death of Communist Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng and the unexpected elevation of Tô Lâm to replace him as General Secretary in…
Vietnam’s second DoiMoi : growth, bottlenecks,and a role for Australia
Vietnam has announced a new round of sweeping reforms to propel the nation to high-income status. But long-term boldness is meeting short-term inertia.
Vietnam’s race betweenspeed and stamina
To Lam has fast consolidated power, but this new logic of control is not reform in the Western sense.
Will Vietnam consolidate its top two leadership positions ?
Vietnam’s uppermost echelon of political leadership is likely to remain structurally unchanged for various reasons.
To Lam openly legalizing police state rule in Vietnam
New draft laws mark To Lam’s latest move to consolidate legislative power in the security apparatus from which he rose
Vietnam : former political prisoner rearrested
Huynh Ngoc Tuan among wave of activists detained before upcoming party congress
From four pillars to five: Vietnam reshapes its collective leadership model
With the elevation of the standing member of the Secretariat, the Communist Party of Vietnam is restructuring its top leadership while keeping collective rule intact.
Vietnamese singer Duc Phuc wins $360,000 prize at Russian-hosted Intervision contest
Vietnamese singer Duc Phuc beat 21 contestants to win the Russian-hosted international performance competition Intervision, taking home 30 million rubles (US$360,000).
Vietnam’s Duc Phuc wins Intervision, Russia’s family-friendly answer to the Eurovision
With cheering crowds, glowing lights, a hint of political intrigue and a winning act in Vietnamese singer Duc Phuc, Russia’s answer to the Eurovision song contest – “Intervision” – gave off similar vibes as the competition that inspired it when…
A parade of patriotism or propaganda in Vietnam ?
Vietnam’s National Day parade, replete with tanks, troops and missiles, will be more Communist Party flex than celebration
Vietnam : free imprisoned activists at medical risk
Can Thi Theu, Le Dinh Luong suffering grave health problems
Vietnam adopts constitutional changes to abolish district-level government
Vietnam’s National Assembly on Monday unanimously passed sweeping constitutional amendments, with all 470 delegates present voting in favor.
What is Vietnam’s administrative ‘revolution’ ?
These administrative reforms are set to slash government spending, including rooting out some prestigious and comfortable government jobs. But is it just another way to consolidate power ?
‘Hello, spring victory !’ Vietnamese propaganda art flourishes 50 years after end of war
Much has changed in Vietnamese life in the 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War. The streets of the once-impoverished country now bustle with commerce and young people carry the latest iPhones and sing along to Taylor Swift…
Vietnam goes big in its sprint to 2030
Vietnam’s General Secretary To Lam has staked his leadership on the promise of a transformative ‘era of national rise’ — a bold new phase of development driven by digital transformation, institutional reform, infrastructure expansion, green growth and deeper global integration.
Vietnam to cut provinces by half in radical administrative restructure
The reforms are part of a drive to make the country’s political system “lean, compact, strong, efficient, effective, and impactful.”
Vietnam to reduce provincial-level administrative units by 50%
The number of provincial-level administrative units in Vietnam will reduce by nearly 50% and the number of local-level units will drop by over 70%, according to a draft proposal on government streamlining.