Key Events
- Tô Lâm Set for U.S. Visit to Attend ‘Board of Peace’ Summit and Explore Trade Talks;
- Social media videos lead to arrest under Vietnam’s Article 331;
- Việt Nam Police Chief Says Defending Party Leadership is Top Priority;
- Hà Nội Merges Six State Media Outlets into Single Agency;
- Vietnamese Leader Calls for Global Vietnamese Support of Reform Agenda of the Party.
Việt Nam’s Top Leader to Attend US Peace Summit, Press for Trade Deal
Việt Nam’s top leader, General Secretary Tô Lâm, is preparing to travel to the United States next week to attend the inaugural meeting of the “Board of Peace,” an initiative launched by U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at addressing global conflicts and expanding diplomatic cooperation.
The meeting is scheduled for Feb. 19 in Washington and will bring together founding members of the new forum to discuss strategies for peace and reconstruction efforts.
Lâm’s visit, his first to the United States since being confirmed in January as the head of the Communist Party of Việt Nam (CPV), underscores Hanoi’s growing engagement in global diplomatic platforms. Việt Nam accepted Trump’s invitation to become a founding member of the Board of Peace on Jan. 18, 2026, signaling a willingness to participate in U.S.-led efforts to tackle international security challenges, including peacebuilding initiatives.
Beyond the peace summit, Lâm is also seeking to meet with President Trump to address ongoing U.S.-Việt Nam trade negotiations, which have encountered significant hurdles over the past year.
Washington imposed a 20 percent tariff on a wide range of Vietnamese goods in August 2025, with even higher tariffs proposed on certain “transshipped” items—a point of contention in recent talks. Việt Nam and the U.S. held their sixth round of trade negotiations earlier this month but were unable to seal a comprehensive deal ahead of Lâm’s visit.
According to reporting cited by multiple outlets, the planned talks could also include announcements on aviation-related commercial agreements between the two countries, demonstrating that economic cooperation remains a priority alongside geopolitical engagement. Bloomberg sources noted Lâm may sign agreements between Vietnamese and American firms during the trip, although specific details have not been released.
The context for Lâm’s Washington visit includes a broader effort by both Hanoi and Washington to manage complex bilateral ties — balancing cooperation on regional security with unresolved economic disputes. Việt Nam’s exports to the United States have continued to grow despite tariffs, with Vietnamese figures showing a substantial increase in export values and an expanding trade surplus in 2025.
As Lâm prepares for high-stakes diplomacy in Washington, the visit highlights Việt Nam’s evolving role on the world stage: engaging U.S. leadership on peace initiatives while navigating delicate trade negotiations that have significant implications for Việt Nam’s economy and its strategic relationship with the United States.
Woman Arrested Under Article 331 After Posting Videos Accusing Judge of Misconduct
A 52-year-old woman in An Giang Province has been arrested and held pending investigation on charges of “abusing democratic freedoms to infringe upon the interests of the state” after publishing videos online alleging that a judge handled a land dispute case improperly, local authorities confirmed.
The move underscores the ongoing use of Article 331 of Việt Nam’s Criminal Code to prosecute individuals for social media activity the government deems harmful to public order and state interests.
Article 331 of Việt Nam’s Penal Code criminalizes the “abuse of democratic freedoms”—including freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, and association—when such exercise is deemed to infringe upon the interests of the state or the lawful rights and interests of organizations or individuals.
On Feb. 4, the Provincial Police Investigation Agency (PC01) executed a warrant to arrest and detain Nguyễn Thị Cẩm Chi, who resides in Bình Đức Ward, following approval by the People’s Procuracy in the region. Investigators also conducted a search of her residence and seized documents and digital devices related to the case.
Authorities allege Chi, acting as a court-authorized representative in a civil land dispute that already had a legally binding judgment, used her Facebook and TikTok accounts to post multiple videos and materials that insulted and damaged the reputations of the presiding judge at the People’s Court of Area 9 in An Giang Province and several other individuals and organizations.
The government concluded the content violated the lawful rights and reputations of those depicted in the posts.
Police said the content constituted a violation of Article 331 of the 2015 Criminal Code. This provision has been used repeatedly in recent years to prosecute bloggers, lawyers, journalists, and activists for online commentary, with human rights groups documenting hundreds of convictions under Article 331 since 2018.
Supporters and civil society advocates have criticized the broad and vague language of Article 331, saying it enables criminal penalties for peaceful expression. International human rights organizations have repeatedly highlighted cases in which activists and commentators have faced arrest or harsh sentences under this provision, arguing that the law is used to chill dissent and restrict free speech.
The An Giang police statement urged citizens to exercise responsibility on social media, refraining from spreading “false information” or content that can harm others’ dignity or reputation, or public order. It warned that online speech with defamatory or destabilizing effects will be investigated and prosecuted under the applicable law.
Chi’s arrest adds to a pattern of high-profile cases in which individuals have been detained for online postings. Rights watchdog reports show that advocates, journalists, and ordinary citizens have increasingly been charged under similar statutes for critiquing government decisions, judicial conduct, or state institutions—including past convictions of lawyers and bloggers that drew international attention.
Legal analysts say that prosecutions under Article 331 often involve subjective judgments about whether speech has “infringed” on state or personal interests, which can blur the line between legitimate critique and punishable offense. Critics argue that such interpretations raise serious concerns about freedom of expression protections in Việt Nam’s legal framework.
As Chi remains in custody, the case is likely to fuel ongoing debate among rights advocates, legal scholars, and international observers over the scope and application of laws governing online expression and democratic freedoms in Việt Nam.
The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) Flags Protection of Party Rule as “Key National Security Priority”
Việt Nam’s Ministry of Public Security has declared that protecting the leadership and ruling role of the Communist Party of Việt Nam is a “core national security objective,” elevating regime security to the center of the country’s evolving security doctrine.
The statement was made in the context of discussions implementing the 14th Party Congress resolutions, which outline strategic priorities for the coming term.
According to the ministry, safeguarding the party’s leadership and governing position is inseparable from protecting the socialist regime and ensuring political stability.
Officials described this mission as a “vital and regular task” of the public security forces, emphasizing that regime security and political stability form the foundation for national development and international integration.
Public Security Minister Lương Tam Quang framed the directive within what authorities describe as a new approach to “comprehensive national security.”
Under this concept, security extends beyond traditional concerns such as territorial defense or crime prevention to include political, economic, social, and ideological dimensions. In this framework, threats to party leadership or challenges to the governing system are considered national security risks.
The ministry’s articulation reflects a longstanding position in Việt Nam’s political doctrine: that the party’s leadership is constitutionally enshrined and central to the state’s functioning. By defining the protection of that leadership as a key security goal, authorities formally integrate political safeguarding into the operational mandate of the security apparatus.
Officials argue that maintaining political stability ensures favorable conditions for economic growth, social order, and foreign policy implementation. They maintain that safeguarding the party’s authority allows the country to navigate both internal pressures and external uncertainties in an increasingly complex global environment.
However, the prioritization of regime protection has drawn scrutiny from legal scholars and civil society observers. Critics contend that when political leadership is framed as a security matter, it can broaden the scope of laws and enforcement actions targeting dissent, online expression, or civic activism. They contend that the use of national security provisions has occasionally restricted public debate or criminalized criticism of state institutions.
The Ministry of Public Security has not indicated any shift in enforcement policy but stressed that security forces must remain proactive in identifying and countering threats to political stability.
As Việt Nam advances the implementation of its latest Party Congress resolutions and prepares for future political milestones, the reaffirmation of Party leadership protection as a core security objective signals the continued centrality of regime stability within the country’s national security strategy.
Six Hà Nội Media Outlets Merged to Form Unified Press Agency to ‘Shape Public Opinion’
Six state-run media organizations in Hà Nội have been consolidated into a single press and broadcasting body in what city officials describe as a move to strengthen “public opinion orientation” and improve the effectiveness of state communication in the capital.
The newly formed Hanoi Press and Radio–Television Agency officially began operations on Feb. 1 following a decision by the Hà Nội Party Standing Committee. The merger brings together six outlets: Hà Nội Mới Newspaper, Kinh tế & Đô thị (Economy and Urban Affairs), Phụ nữ Thủ đô (Capital Women), Lao động Thủ đô (Capital Labor), Tuổi trẻ Thủ đô (Capital Youth), and Hà Nội Radio and Television.
At a ceremony announcing the restructuring, city leaders described the consolidation as a milestone in reorganizing the capital’s press system in line with party directives. Officials said the unified agency will play a central role in communicating policies, forecasting social trends, and supporting the city’s political and economic objectives. The reorganization is framed as part of broader efforts to modernize and streamline the media sector.
A new leadership team has been appointed to oversee the agency. Vũ Minh Tuấn, previously a deputy head within the party’s propaganda apparatus in Hà Nội, was named director. Several former editors and executives from the merged outlets were appointed as deputy directors, a move officials say will ensure institutional continuity during the transition.
The consolidation reflects a wider national policy to reduce the number of press agencies and reorganize the state media system. Over the past year, authorities have pursued mergers and closures of various outlets across the country as part of what they describe as a strategy to eliminate overlap, improve efficiency, and build converged, multi-platform media organizations.
Officials have emphasized that the media in Việt Nam operates under the framework of “revolutionary press,” whose mission includes serving the Party and the state while contributing to social stability and development. In this context, guiding public opinion is considered an essential function of the press, particularly in a rapidly changing information environment shaped by digital platforms and social media.
Supporters of the restructuring argue that consolidation will help reduce administrative costs and enhance professional standards while allowing for stronger coordination across print, broadcast, and digital formats. They say a unified agency can respond more quickly to emerging issues and deliver consistent messaging to the public.
Critics, however, contend that reducing the number of outlets may further centralize editorial control and limit diversity within the state-run media system. Press freedom advocates have long argued that concentration of media authority, combined with strict regulatory oversight, narrows the space for critical or investigative reporting.
City officials maintain that the new agency will better reflect Hà Nội’s development ambitions and strategic priorities. As the capital prepares for upcoming political milestones and major events, the consolidated press body is expected to play a leading role in shaping how policies and public issues are presented to residents.
President Lương Cường Urges Overseas Vietnamese to Help Implement 14th Party Congress Resolution
Việt Nam’s president has called on overseas Vietnamese to join national efforts to implement the resolution of the 14th National Party Congress, urging unity and collective action as the country embarks on a new development phase.
The appeal was made during the annual Xuân Quê Hương (Homeland Spring) 2026 program held ahead of Tết Bính Ngọ, an event traditionally aimed at strengthening ties between the state and Vietnamese communities abroad.
In his remarks, President Lương Cường described 2026 as the first year of implementing the 14th Party Congress resolution, framing it as a critical period that requires contributions from all Vietnamese, regardless of where they reside.
Cường emphasized that the country’s long-term goals—including economic growth, modernization, and enhanced international integration—depend on solidarity and shared responsibility.
The president highlighted what he referred to as the “Vietnam Aspiration,” portraying it as a collective vision rooted in patriotism and national pride. He reiterated the longstanding party message that overseas Vietnamese are an inseparable part of the Vietnamese nation.
Drawing on historical symbolism and references to national unity, he underscored that contributions from the diaspora—whether intellectual, financial, or cultural—are essential to the country’s development and defense.
According to state accounts of the event, Lương Cường also acknowledged the diaspora’s participation in major national commemorations, including milestone anniversaries of significant historical events. He presented such engagement as evidence of continued attachment to the homeland and as a foundation for deeper cooperation in the future.
The outreach aligns with broader government messaging following the 14th Party Congress, which set out strategic objectives for the coming term. These include strengthening economic resilience, advancing science and technology, reforming institutions, and promoting Việt Nam’s role on the global stage. Officials have consistently stressed that achieving these ambitions requires mobilizing resources and talent both domestically and internationally.
Observers note that appeals to the diaspora often coincide with efforts to attract overseas investment, technical expertise, and policy engagement. Remittances from overseas Vietnamese communities have long been a significant source of foreign currency for the country, and policymakers have increasingly framed diaspora relations as part of a broader development strategy.
Critics say that for communities outside the US to really participate, there needs to be an environment that encourages open discussion and the sharing of ideas. They argue that policies that foster trust and encourage genuine engagement across political and social differences must accompany calls for unity.
President Lương Cường concluded his message with New Year greetings and expressions of confidence in the collective strength of the Vietnamese people worldwide. By placing overseas Vietnamese at the center of the implementation effort for the 14th Party Congress resolution, the leadership signaled its intention to integrate diaspora contributions into the country’s next stage of national development.
Quick Takes:
Việt Nam and the U.S. Diverge on in TikTok Regulation
Tech Policy Press reports that Việt Nam and the United States have adopted markedly different strategies in asserting state power over TikTok, highlighting divergent priorities in digital governance. As the platform finalized a sale to U.S. investors in January, Vietnamese regulators fined TikTok 880 million đồng ($33,885) for misleading users about its data practices and have continued pressing the company over content deemed harmful. Meanwhile, the U.S. has focused on forcing divestment of TikTok’s American operations over national security concerns tied to foreign ownership. Analysts say Việt Nam leverages regulatory and market pressure to shape platform conduct, while the U.S. prioritizes ownership and data control.
Human Rights Group Urges Release of Hmong Christian Prisoners in Việt Nam
A U.S.-based human rights organization is calling on the government of Việt Nam to free a group of Hmong Christian believers detained for taking part in peaceful religious activities, framing their continued imprisonment as a violation of basic rights protections. The appeal from Freedom House’s Center for Religious Freedom highlights at least 10 Hmong Christians jailed in the remote northwest provinces, including elders and leaders of local congregations, and urges their immediate release under international human rights law and Việt Nam’s own constitutional guarantees. Critics say the prisoners face vague charges such as “disturbing public order” and “illegal religion,” commonly used against unregistered religious groups. The group says releasing these people would be a goodwill gesture and a step toward respecting freedom of belief in the country.
Party’s Central Committee to Adopt New Anti-corruption Resolution at 2nd Meeting
The 14th Party Central Committee is set to adopt a new resolution on preventing and combating corruption, wastefulness, and negative practices at its second meeting, officials said. The resolution, to be considered by the full Central Committee, aims to institutionalize key principles from the 14th Party Congress and directives from General Secretary Tô Lâm and calls for resolute and persistent anti-corruption efforts that both deter wrongdoing and support socio-economic development. It outlines a shift toward prevention, increased supervision, improved legal frameworks, and stronger controls over high-risk sectors and leadership positions, with enforcement extending down to grassroots levels.
Party Finalizes List of 217 National Assembly Candidates, including Five Non-Party Members
The Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front has unanimously agreed on a list of 217 candidates from central government agencies and organizations who meet the criteria for running for the 16th National Assembly. All delegates at the third consultative conference on Feb. 11 endorsed the list, which includes five non-Party members and reflects a range of professional backgrounds. The nominations followed procedures involving voter conferences at workplaces and review by relevant authorities. Officials said the candidates will now advance in the election process ahead of the nationwide vote scheduled for March.
Starlink Services Vietnam Registers with 30 Billion Đồng Capital, Vietnamese CEO
Starlink Services Vietnam, the newly established legal entity for Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture in Việt Nam, has registered a charter capital of 30 billion đồng.
The company, headquartered in Cửa Nam Ward, Hà Nội, is wholly owned by Starlink Holdings Netherlands BV. Lauren Ashley Dreyer, an American executive and global operations leader for Starlink, serves as chairwoman and legal representative.
Notably, the general director is a Vietnamese national, Đỗ Bá Thích, born in 1990 in Hà Nội. Charter capital figures are largely symbolic and do not reflect total financial capacity, a common practice for foreign firms establishing a presence in the Vietnamese market.
The registration follows Starlink’s broader regulatory progress in Việt Nam, where the government recently granted licenses for satellite internet services and radio frequency use, paving the way for Starlink’s deployment under controlled conditions.
