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Key Events Leadership Shake-Up: Vietnam Streamlines Ministries and Police Force Secretary Rubio Presses Vietnam on Trade Imbalances, Discusses China’s Actions Police Detain Hanoi Resident for Posts Opposing Traffic Fine Decree Vietnam’s Prime Minister Highlights the Country’s Target for 8% Growth, Strengthens U.S. Ties VCP Approves Plan to Reorganize Government Apparatus The 13th Communist Party Central Conference, held from Jan. 23 to 24 in Hanoi, focused on streamlining Vietnam’s governmental and political apparatus. Key proposals include restructuring leadership roles and reorganizing the People’s Police system by eliminating district-level police departments.

At the closing session, General Secretary To Lam confirmed that the Central Executive Committee had agreed to the proposal to remove district-level police units. This restructuring is part of broader reforms to streamline Vietnam’s political system.

As of Jan. 22, the government has closed 119 service points and reduced five ministries and department-level bodies. Local authorities are also expected to consolidate party committees and specialist units. The reforms aim to reduce redundancy and enhance efficiency in public administration.

An extraordinary session of the Central Executive Committee and the National Assembly is planned for February 2025 to finalize and implement these changes.

During the conference, the Central Executive Committee elected Nguyen Duy Ngoc, a member of the Party Central Bureau, to the Politburo as Chairman of the Central Inspection Committee. Ngoc’s appointment sparked debate, with critics pointing to Regulation No. 214-QD/TW, which outlines eligibility criteria for Politburo members. Critics claim Ngoc’s limited experience within the Central Executive Committee raises questions about his qualification for the role.

The conference also announced plans to consolidate Vietnam’s press and media landscape. The Central Propaganda Committee recommended Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City develop media conglomerates, building on a pilot model launched in 2021. This aligns with ongoing efforts to streamline party apparatus and enhance state control over the media.

The 13th Politburo now includes 16 members, with nine from police and military backgrounds, reflecting the significant influence of these sectors in Vietnam’s leadership. Among them are General Secretary To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang.

These reforms are part of Vietnam’s broader effort to modernize governance, but critics argue they also centralize power, potentially undermining accountability and diversity within the political system.

Secretary Rubio Urges Vietnam to Address Trade Imbalances, Flags South China Sea Issues On Jan. 24, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a call with Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, emphasizing trade issues and shared concerns over China's actions in the South China Sea.

The call marked the first high-level engagement between the two nations since the inauguration of President Donald Trump’s new administration. Both diplomats celebrated the 30th anniversary of U.S.-Vietnam relations and highlighted progress under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2023, according to a State Department statement.

Rubio acknowledged the strong economic ties between the two countries but "encouraged Vietnam to address trade imbalances," the statement noted. The U.S. trade deficit with Vietnam exceeded $110 billion in the first 11 months of 2024, representing an 18% rise compared to the same period the previous year. This growing trade gap, coupled with Vietnam’s record currency devaluation, has raised concerns in Washington.

According to Reuters , Vietnam is now the fourth-largest contributor to the U.S. trade deficit, trailing only China, the European Union, and Mexico. The widening gap poses risks for Vietnam, an export-dependent economy, as Trump has threatened tariffs on U.S. imports to address the imbalance. Analysts warn such measures could strain Vietnam's economic stability and its pivotal role as a manufacturing hub for global giants like Apple, Google, Nike, and Intel.

During the call, Rubio also expressed concerns about China’s "aggressive behavior" in the South China Sea, aligning with Vietnam’s stance on regional maritime disputes. The issue underscores the growing strategic partnership between Washington and Hanoi, which has deepened as both nations counterbalance Beijing’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Despite tensions over trade, Vietnam remains a critical U.S. partner in both security and economic domains. However, unresolved issues, including previous Treasury declarations of Vietnam as a currency manipulator, could complicate relations in the months ahead.

As Vietnam continues to be a key exporter to the U.S., balancing economic cooperation with addressing trade disparities will remain a focal point in the bilateral relationship.

Hanoi Woman Arrested After Criticizing New Decree 168 Online On Jan. 23, 2025, Hanoi police detained and initiated legal proceedings against Dau Thi Tam, a 45-year-old resident of Hoang Mai District, for allegedly abusing democratic freedoms to harm the state, as outlined in Article 331 of Vietnam’s Penal Code.

According to local authorities, Tam recently uploaded videos spreading content about Decree 168/2024/ND-CP, which introduced new traffic violation penalties.

Hanoi police, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Security’s Investigation Security Agency, are gathering evidence to determine the appropriate charges.

This is not the first of such cases. On Jan. 16, Hoang Mai district police fined 50-year-old Dang Hoang Ha for posting content criticizing Decree 168. Using his Facebook account, Ha shared images and videos with comments on traffic congestion after the Decree was enacted. According to the police, Ha admitted to the posting and was fined 7.5 million dong ($299) for spreading false information under Article 331.

Ho Chi Minh City Considers Temporary Sidewalk Use to Ease Traffic Congestion Facing worsening traffic congestion, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) authorities are exploring urgent measures, including the temporary use of sidewalks as traffic lanes.

The city has seen severe traffic jams on major routes like Vo Nguyen Giap Road and the area near Tan Son Nhat Airport. This issue, compounded by the implementation of Decree 168 and increased travel demand, has also impacted Hanoi, with congestion persisting at key intersections like Khuat Duy Tien and Nguyen Trai Streets.

HCMC Chairman Phan Van Mai has directed agencies to address congestion hotspots within 24-48 hours. In addition to the proposed sidewalk usage, the city recently installed 500 signal lights at 200 intersections to allow right turns on red lights, improving traffic flow.

The city, home to over 10.9 million residents and more than 9 million vehicles, faces significant infrastructure challenges. Road density remains at just 2.26 km/km², far below the standard 10-13 km/km² needed for a city of its size.

Meanwhile, authorities in Hanoi and other provinces are cracking down on misinformation about Decree 168, which introduced stricter traffic penalties. On Jan. 23, Hanoi police detained a woman for allegedly spreading false information online and inciting opposition to the decree.

Similar actions have been taken elsewhere, with Dak Nong and Binh Duong police issuing fines of 5 million dong to individuals for sharing fabricated information about the new regulations.

As HCMC prioritizes urgent solutions, officials hope these measures will ease end-of-year traffic pressure and set a foundation for long-term improvements.

Vietnam PM Pham Minh Chinh Says Nation Ready to Work With Trump, Sets Bold Economic Goals From Bloomberg, on Jan. 23, 2025, Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh revealed that his country’s top leader, Party General Secretary To Lam, recently spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump, signaling Vietnam’s readiness to collaborate with the new U.S. administration.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Chinh expressed confidence in managing the U.S.-Vietnam relations despite challenges, including trade tensions.

Vietnam, aiming for 8% economic growth in 2025, faces uncertainty over potential U.S. tariffs. Chinh reiterated Vietnam’s commitment to rebalancing its trade surplus with the U.S., including plans to purchase Boeing aircraft and other high-tech American products.

Highlighting Vietnam’s economic achievements, Chinh noted the country’s strong 7.09% growth in 2024, supported by manufacturing and foreign investment. The National Assembly targets 6.5%-7% growth this year, but Chinh emphasized Vietnam’s ambition for accelerated growth.

Vietnam is also undergoing significant reforms, including reducing government size by 20% and cutting bureaucratic red tape. The reshuffle in leadership after the death of the former Party chief underscores the nation’s generational transition.

On technology, Chinh outlined Vietnam’s strategy to position itself as a global hub for advanced industries like semiconductors and artificial intelligence. The government is collaborating with global tech giants, including Samsung, Intel, and Nvidia, while training up to 100,000 engineers in AI and semiconductor fields. Vietnam has targeted $100 billion in annual semiconductor revenue by 2050.

Chinh also emphasized Vietnam’s vision of becoming a high-income nation by 2045, supported by industrial modernization and ambitious infrastructure projects. “We are working tirelessly to create opportunities for our people and solidify Vietnam’s place as a global economic and technological leader,” Chinh said.

Hanoi to Install 40,000 Surveillance Cameras by 2030 On Jan. 25, 2025, the Hanoi People’s Committee announced a plan to install over 40,000 surveillance cameras across the capital between 2025 and 2030. The initiative aims to enhance public safety, improve traffic management, and maintain urban order.

Of the total, 16,000 cameras will focus on state management tasks, including traffic safety, environmental oversight, and city maintenance. This will include 12,000 pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras capable of adjusting direction and zooming, while 28,000 cameras will remain stationary.

The plan also prioritizes security and law enforcement, with 23,700 cameras allocated to maintaining order and detecting violations. An additional 16,250 cameras will monitor traffic and urban issues, and 230 will be used for national defense purposes.

Hanoi’s existing network of approximately 19,400 cameras, including 4,000 PTZ units, is considered insufficient to cover all areas of the capital. City officials emphasized the need for expansion to address gaps in surveillance and improve monitoring capabilities.

The project will be funded through multiple sources, including the national budget. Authorities view the expanded surveillance network as critical to ensuring the city’s safety and supporting its rapid urban development.

Vietnam's Media Restructuring Sparks Concerns Over Press Freedom and Propaganda From VOA News, Vietnam’s sweeping media restructuring, aimed at consolidating news outlets, has drawn criticism from press freedom advocates who fear tighter government control and increased propaganda.

The initiative began in 2019 under former Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s “National Press Development and Management Planning until 2025” policy. It plans to shut down 180 press organizations, displacing 8,000 journalists and editors. By 2030, the government intends to merge resources into six national media conglomerates, including the Communist Party’s Nhan Dan newspaper and outlets run by the Defense and Public Security Ministries.

On Jan. 15, broadcasts ended for 13 channels under the Vietnam Multimedia Corp. (VTC), one of the nation’s most popular broadcasters, as well as Voice of Vietnam TV and Nhan Dan TV. The closure of VTC left approximately 1,000 employees jobless.

“Everyone was crying,” said Justin, a 21-year-old intern at VTC, who witnessed the station’s final moments. “After 20 years, they were kicked out for no reason. It’s shocking.”

The government defends the restructuring as necessary to streamline operations and eliminate inefficiencies. Party General Secretary To Lam likened the changes to “bitter medicine” needed for a “healthy body.” However, critics argue that the restructuring prioritizes propaganda over independent journalism.

“This reform will result in the Vietnamese people getting even less real news,” said Phil Robertson, Asia Director for Human Rights and Labor Advocates. “It’s a move to tighten authoritarian control.”

With 17 independent journalists currently imprisoned, critics fear the restructuring will further stifle press freedom, leaving fewer platforms for critical voices in Vietnam.

Quick Takes: Vietnam’s Remittances Hit Record High Ahead of Lunar New Year In 2024, remittances to Vietnam reached approximately $16 billion, matching 2023 levels, with most contributions coming from Asia and the Americas. Ho Chi Minh City alone accounted for $9.6 billion, about 60% of the national total, and surpassed $10 billion as the 2025 Lunar New Year approached.

Vietnam, home to 6 million overseas citizens, ranks among the top 10 global remittance recipients. Over the past 30 years, the country has received over $200 billion in remittances, matching foreign direct investment during the same period.

Vietnam PM Meets Ukrainian President, Promotes Peaceful Solutions On Jan.21, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met President Volodymyr Zelensky at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Chinh reiterated Vietnam's commitment to resolving international disputes through peaceful means, in line with international law and the UN Charter.

During his Jan. 15–23 diplomatic tour, Chinh secured major achievements, including upgrading Vietnam’s relations with Poland and the Czech Republic to Strategic Partnerships and with Switzerland to a Comprehensive Partnership.

Former Minister Mai Tien Dung Receives Suspended Sentence On Jan. 20, Hanoi’s People’s Court sentenced Mai Tien Dung, former Minister and Head of the Government Office, to two years and six months in prison, suspended due to his contributions, advanced age, and health issues.

Dung was found guilty of directing subordinates to unlawfully process a petition and accepting a 200 million dong "thank you gift" from Nguyen Cao Tri, general director of Saigon Dai Ninh Co.. The court noted Dung’s awards and service in its decision.

Slovak PM Visits Vietnam on Personal Vacation, Attends Informal Meeting Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico recently confirmed a nine-day personal vacation to Vietnam in early January, staying at a resort popular with Slovak tourists.

During his visit, Fico attended an informal meeting at Hanoi’s Capella Hotel by invitation. Details about the meeting’s attendees or discussions were not disclosed.

Vietnam Arrests Pastor for Alleged Anti-State Propaganda Vietnamese authorities have arrested Nguyen Manh Hung, a 71-year-old Protestant pastor, on charges of “propaganda against the state.” Hung, known for his critical social media posts, is the first to face this charge since former Public Security Minister To Lam became secretary general in August.

If convicted, Hung could face up to 20 years in prison. This marks the second high-profile arrest under To Lam's leadership.

Vietnam Insight: Learn more about Vietnam Vietnam: No Country for #MeToo The Diplomat/Elaine Pearson/Jan. 24

“In a 2016 report, ActionAid found that ‘87 percent of Vietnamese women and girls have encountered sexual harassment in a public place,’ and ‘89 percent of men and bystanders have witnessed acts of sexual harassment against women and girls.’ The anthropologist Nguyen Thu Huong has argued that sexual assault cases persist because Vietnam’s inadequate legal system, combined with social stigma and a ‘victim blaming’ culture, discourages victims of sexual assaults from coming forward and seeking justice.

In responding to a recent United Nations review of its human rights record, Vietnam accepted all recommendations to promote gender equality and to combat gender violence, including sexual violence against women. If the government is serious about upholding its pledges, then the first step would be for the Vietnamese authorities to carry out thorough and transparent investigations into all reports of sexual violence against women, and fully and impartially prosecute those responsible, regardless of their political status or connections.”