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Key Events

Trump Meets Tô Lâm, Pledges to Ease Tech Restrictions Amid $30B in Boeing Deals;

Hà Nội Considers Participation in Gaza Peace, Security and Rebuilding Operations;

Social Media Repost Leads to 7.5 Million Đồng Fine in Quảng Trị Province;

Việt Nam Placed on EU Tax Watchlist, Hà Nội Vows Corrective Action;

Government Explores VNeID Integration with Facebook, TikTok, and other Platforms.

U.S.–Việt Nam Trade Ties Deepen as Trump Moves to Remove Hà Nội From Restricted Lists

From Reuters , U.S. President Donald Trump and Vietnamese leader Tô Lâm held their first in-person meeting at the White House on Feb. 20, where Trump vowed to work toward removing Việt Nam from U.S. restricted lists that limit Hà Nội’s access to advanced American technology, a significant shift in bilateral trade relations, the government announced.

According to official Vietnamese sources , Trump said he would “instruct the relevant agencies” to take Việt Nam off strategic export control lists, potentially unlocking greater cooperation in high-tech sectors. This move comes as both countries seek to deepen economic, scientific, and technological ties and represents an important diplomatic reprieve after prolonged trade tensions.

The meeting followed a series of major commercial announcements: Vietnamese carriers agreed to purchase 90 Boeing aircraft worth more than $30 billion, including long-haul and single-aisle jets, underscoring the growing economic linkages between the U.S. and Việt Nam.

Trade issues have been a persistent point of contention. In previous rounds of reciprocal tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, Việt Nam faced elevated levies amid efforts to address large U.S. trade deficits; at one point Hà Nội’s surplus with the United States ranked third globally after China and Mexico.

While some duties were reduced as part of negotiation compromises last year, Việt Nam remained on various U.S. control lists that limited exports of dual-use and sensitive technologies.

Trump’s outreach to Việt Nam occurs against a broader backdrop of U.S. trade policy uncertainty, including a recent Supreme Court ruling that invalidated some of his sweeping tariff measures and his subsequent imposition of a 10% global tariff on most imports.

Removing Việt Nam from restricted U.S. technology lists could help ease barriers for high-tech exports, attracting investment and bolstering supply chain integration, particularly in electronics and aerospace.

The White House and Vietnamese officials also signaled a willingness to resolve outstanding trade issues, with Trump accepting an invitation from Tô Lâm to visit Việt Nam. Analysts say the latest diplomatic engagement may reflect Washington’s broader strategic interest in Southeast Asia as a counterweight to China’s economic influence.

Businesses and policymakers on both sides will closely watch the outcome of these talks—balancing trade liberalization with strategic export controls—as U.S.–Việt Nam economic ties evolve.

Việt Nam May Deploy Forces to Gaza as Part of Peacekeeping Efforts

Việt Nam is considering the possibility of deploying military and police personnel to the Gaza Strip to support international peacekeeping and reconstruction efforts, according to Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung.

Speaking to reporters after General Secretary Tô Lâm took part in a Gaza peace initiative in Washington, D.C., Trung said Hà Nội is studying how it could contribute to stabilizing the conflict-affected territory.

According to Trung, Việt Nam’s potential involvement would align with a broader international plan focused on three priorities: supporting the enforcement of a ceasefire and restoring order; assisting long-term reconstruction, including infrastructure and essential services; and strengthening Palestinian governance capacity.

While no formal decision has been announced, he said relevant agencies are assessing the scope and feasibility of any contribution.

Việt Nam has participated in United Nations peacekeeping missions recently, deploying medical units and engineering teams to Africa under the auspices of the United Nations. Trung noted that this experience could enable Vietnamese military and police forces to help maintain security and public order in Gaza, should an international mandate be established.

In addition to security roles, Việt Nam is exploring ways to contribute to humanitarian relief and post-conflict rebuilding. Trung highlighted the country’s own experience in post-war reconstruction and development as a foundation for potential technical and logistical support. Police units, he suggested, could also assist in training local forces to enhance community safety and institutional capacity.

The remarks reflect Việt Nam’s expanding diplomatic engagement and its stated foreign policy of independence, multilateralism, and active participation in global peace efforts. Observers say that if realized, such a deployment would mark one of the most visible overseas security contributions by Hà Nội beyond its existing peacekeeping missions.

Any deployment would require detailed coordination with international partners and adherence to international law, including clear mandates, timelines, and operational frameworks. Officials emphasized that Việt Nam’s approach would prioritize stability, humanitarian considerations, and cooperation with multilateral institutions.

As global actors search for durable solutions to the Gaza conflict, Hà Nội’s willingness to consider participation signals its intention to play a more proactive role in international peace and security initiatives.

Man in Quảng Trị Fined After Reposting Police Criticism, Spotlighting Limits on Free Expression

A 76-year-old man in Quảng Trị has been fined 7.5 million đồng ($289) after reposting a social-media article that criticized local police.

The incident began when the man shared a post originally published by another account that allegedly portrayed the công an (public security forces) in a negative light. Local authorities in Quảng Trị Province determined that the reposted content was false and defamatory and that it could harm the reputation of law enforcement personnel, a spokesman for provincial police said.

After an investigation, officers issued a fine of 7.5 million đồng under applicable regulations governing the dissemination of “unlawful” information on digital platforms. The man admitted his mistake during interactions with authorities and complied with the penalty, according to local reports. The case highlights increasing enforcement of regulations over online speech in Việt Nam, particularly when posts are deemed to attack state bodies.

Under Việt Nam’s legal framework, the spread of false information that undermines social order or damages the reputation of organizations and individuals can be subject to administrative or even criminal sanctions.

Police officials in several localities have recently been active in tracking and responding to what they describe as fabricated or misleading posts on social media that target state institutions, including the police forces.

Human rights observers say this type of enforcement reflects a broader regulatory environment where digital content and online discussions are carefully monitored by the authorities.

They point to provisions of Article 331 in the Penal Code that criminalize “abusing democratic freedoms to infringe upon the interests of the state” as sources of potential legal risk for social-media users who post critical commentary about government institutions.

Critics contend that the broad interpretation of such statutes in practice could potentially impact freedom of expression.

This recent case, involving a relatively modest fine for a senior citizen, underscores the care that users of social platforms in Việt Nam must exercise when sharing or reposting contentious content about law enforcement or other state agencies.

While proponents of strict enforcement argue it helps preserve order, human rights groups maintain that clearer safeguards are needed to protect legitimate public debate and dissent.

As digital communication continues to proliferate across the country, rights advocates are watching how enforcement practices evolve, especially as they intersect with fundamental questions about online speech and civic participation.

European Union (“EU”) Places Việt Nam on List of Non-Cooperative Tax Jurisdictions, Hà Nội Promises Swift Response

The EU’s finance ministers have formally added Việt Nam to the bloc’s list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes, a designation that could affect the country’s international financial reputation and cross-border economic relations.

On Feb. 17, 2026, the Council of the EU updated its so-called "blacklist," or Annex I, of jurisdictions that do not meet internationally agreed standards on tax transparency, fair taxation, and the exchange of information.

Việt Nam and the Turks and Caicos Islands were newly included on the list, while Fiji, Samoa, and Trinidad and Tobago were removed after satisfying compliance benchmarks.

The decision reflects findings by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Global Forum, which concluded that Việt Nam did not fully comply with the required standards for timely and effective exchange of tax information on request from partner jurisdictions.

The listing itself does not change Việt Nam’s domestic tax laws, corporate income tax rates, or existing investment incentives, officials and experts noted. It does not directly alter the country’s tax code or obligations toward foreign investors.

However, inclusion in the Annex I list may prompt heightened scrutiny by EU member states, which can adopt defensive tax measures under their laws. These may include stricter documentation requirements, adjustments to withholding tax treatment on cross-border payments, and controlled foreign company rules that could affect multinational groups with operations between Việt Nam and the EU.

Vietnamese authorities described the EU decision as a technical classification under ongoing international evaluation processes and reaffirmed their commitment to address identified gaps quickly.

Senior officials have pledged to accelerate reforms to improve compliance with global standards, particularly in enhancing transparency and responsiveness in tax-information exchange mechanisms.

Analysts said that while the immediate economic impact may be limited, the reputational implications could be significant. The EU list is widely watched by international investors and financial institutions, and being labeled as non-cooperative on tax matters may lead some firms to apply more cautious due diligence practices or demand additional safeguards in transactions involving Vietnamese entities.

Việt Nam’s inclusion on the list comes just weeks after the country and the EU upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which emphasizes the complicated economic ties between Hà Nội and Brussels.

Vietnamese officials stress that the country has previously improved its standing in international tax assessments and that biannual reviews allow for reevaluation once progress is demonstrated. They believe rapid action on transparency commitments could see Việt Nam removed from the list in future updates, preserving confidence among foreign investors and trade partners.

VNeID Expansion Into Social Media Signals Next Phase of Digital Oversight

The Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) is moving forward with a plan to explore integrating popular social media platforms with the national digital identity system, VNeID, officials said, to strengthen online account authentication and improve the safety of digital interactions.

The proposal, still under study, reflects growing concern among the authorities over "misinformation," "fraud," and “unsafe” user practices on social networks.

The Ministry of Public Security runs VNeID, which is a key part of the Vietnamese government's plan for digital governance. It provides a standardized form of identity verification for citizens and residents across electronic services, including public administration transactions, banking, telecommunications, and more.

Under the current system, users authenticate themselves through a combination of personal data and biometric verification. Integrating social media platforms with VNeID would mean that accounts on services such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and others could be linked directly to verified identities.

During a recent meeting with representatives from key social networking companies, Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Nguyễn Thanh Liêm emphasized the importance of a reliable, unified authentication framework in tackling criminal activity and enhancing trust in digital communications.

“When an online account is verified through VNeID, it helps reduce the risks of misconduct, fraud, and the spread of harmful content. It also makes users more accountable for their behavior online,” he said.

Vietnamese officials pointed to rising concerns about fake accounts, bot networks, and anonymous profiles being used to disseminate false information, harass individuals, or manipulate public opinion. Stronger authentication, they argue, could help platforms moderate content more effectively and give users greater confidence in the people they interact with online.

The proposal has drawn attention from major social media companies operating in Vietnam, which were invited to take part in discussions and provide feedback on technical, legal, and privacy implications.

The authorities acknowledged challenges ahead, including data protection, user privacy rights, and the need to ensure that identity integration does not become a barrier to digital participation.

Experts said that while linking VNeID with social platforms may improve accountability online, policymakers must balance security objectives with respect for privacy and freedom of expression. Some users have expressed concerns that mandatory identity verification could lead to increased surveillance or limit anonymity for vulnerable groups.

Việt Nam is not alone in exploring stronger digital identity systems; governments around the world are grappling with similar issues as online interactions become more central to everyday life.

As the MIC continues its research, public consultation and legal review will likely shape the final recommendations, with a view to enhancing digital trust while protecting fundamental rights.

Quick Takes:

Deputy PM Visits APEC 2027 Project Workers, Brings Gifts for Tết

Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Chí Dũng visited construction workers at the APEC 2027 Phú Quốc Project on Thursday, bringing Tết gifts and extending Lunar New Year greetings, the government announced. Nguyễn Chí Dũng praised the laborers’ dedication and encouraged them to complete work safely and on schedule for the high-profile international event. During the visit, he presented traditional Tết items, emphasizing the state’s support for workers away from home during the holiday season. Officials said the gesture reflects the government’s commitment to worker welfare and ensuring positive conditions as preparations accelerate for APEC 2027.

Việt Nam's Prosecutors Support Property Measures in Anti-Corruption Cases

Việt Nam’s Supreme People’s Procuracy has endorsed a proposal to seize assets during the investigation and resolution of corruption and abuse-of-power cases, officials said. The move, supported by the procuracy, aims to strengthen legal tools for tracing and preserving illicit gains, ensuring that assets tied to crimes such as bribery or embezzlement are not dissipated before verdicts. Prosecutors argue that early property measures can aid in effective enforcement and deter corrupt practices. Legislators will now consider the proposal as part of ongoing efforts to tighten anti-corruption legislation and improve accountability in public office.

Officials Declare Candidacy for National Assembly Elections

The deputy prime ministers, ministers, and heads of ministries have officially registered to run as candidates for deputies of the XVI National Assembly, state media reported . The list includes senior government leaders from key ministries and central agencies, reflecting the high profile of candidates seeking election to the country’s top legislative body. Candidates completed their nomination procedures in line with electoral laws, which require thorough vetting and public disclosure. The upcoming election aims to select representatives at both national and local levels.

Investigation Underway Into Passenger Boat Sinking on Thác Bà Lake

Authorities in northern Việt Nam have launched a rapid investigation into the sinking of a passenger boat on Thác Bà Lake in Yên Bái Province, which left several people missing and others injured, officials reported. The incident occurred as the vessel was operating on the popular tourist lake, prompting emergency response teams to conduct search and rescue efforts amid challenging conditions. Local police and maritime safety agencies are examining potential causes, including overloading and weather factors, while families of victims await updates. Provincial leaders said they would prioritize a thorough, transparent inquiry to determine responsibility and prevent future accidents.