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Vietnam, China strengthen solidarity, friendship

Bui Thi Minh Hoai, President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee, on December 4 received 500,000 USD in relief aid from the Chinese Government, delivered through the Chinese Embassy in Vietnam, to support flood-hit communities.

At the meeting with the VFF leader on the day, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam He Wei said the amount, though modest, reflects the Chinese people’s sentiments toward the Vietnamese people, helping them recover from the recent storms and floods.

Recalling the April 2025 visit by Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping, the ambassador said the trip further strengthened the friendship between the two Parties and States.

Over the past time, many Chinese companies have come to Vietnam to explore investment opportunities, with a focus on high-tech sectors - a trend that is gaining momentum, according to the diplomat.

He highlighted major bilateral cooperation projects now under way, along with active people-to-people exchanges that are helping deepen mutual understanding and strengthen ties between Vietnamese and Chinese youth, according to VNA.

At the meeting between Bui Thi Minh Hoai, President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee, and Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam He Wei on December 4. (Photo: VNA)

The ambassador noted hope that Hoai will continue to work closely with the Chinese Embassy and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in humane exchanges.

For her part, Hoai expressed her sincere gratitude to the Party, Government and people of China for their support, saying the aid reflects the solidarity and enduring friendship between the two countries.

The VFF leader said she firmly believes that under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) with General Secretary and President Xi at its core, China will continue to make major strides that bring prosperity and well-being to its people and contribute to global peace and sustainable development.

She added that Vietnam and China, sharing similar goals, paths and aspirations, are well positioned to complement and support each other in pursuing future growth.

Regarding ties between the VFF Central Committee and the CPPCC National Committee, she said the two sides have maintained many years of sincere and effective cooperation, with regular high-level exchanges and joint workshops on experience-sharing, as well as various people-to-people activities.

She stressed that such exchanges not only help translate the common perceptions of the two Parties’ and States’ high-ranking leaders into concrete actions, but also deepen the bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and advance the building of a Vietnam–China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

She also highlighted cooperation between the two bodies’ member organizations, notably the first "Red Study Tours" program for Vietnamese and Chinese youth — an initiative proposed by Party General Secretary To Lam and Party General Secretary and President Xi — to educate young people about the longstanding friendship.

On this occasion, Hoai asked the ambassador to convey her best regards to Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, saying she values the relationship and looks forward to an opportunity to meet and discuss cooperation between the two bodies.

Nearly US$1.14 billion in aid flows to Vietnam from 379 NGOs over 2020-2024

The Committee for Foreign Non-Governmental Organization Affairs (COMINGO) in coordination with the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), hosted the fifth International Conference on Vietnam- Foreign Non-Governmental Organizations (FNGOS) and Partners Cooperation for Prosperous and Sustainable Development” 4 in Hanoi on December 4.

The event featured the participation of more than 500 delegates representing ministries, government agencies, local authorities, diplomatic missions, international organizations, foreign NGOs, and the business community.

Opening the conference, Phan Anh Son, VUFO President said the forum enabled domestic and international participants, including development cooperation agencies, donors, businesses and civil society groups, to exchange views and explore new cooperation opportunities, particularly in emerging priority areas such as digital transformation, the green and circular economy, climate change response, innovation and human resource development. The shared orientations were expected to help promote Vietnam’s 2026-2030 sustainable development goals.

A notable feature of this year’s conference was the more substantive and proactive engagement of foreign NGOs in both the preparation and organization of the event.

Beyond attending as guests, these organizations directly contributed to drafting content, co-chairing thematic workshops, coordinating exhibitions and carrying out joint communication activities. This inclusive approach shows a spirit of equal partnership and mutual development, marking an important evolution in cooperation between Vietnam and the foreign NGO community.

Following earlier conferences held in 1992, 2003, 2013 and 2019, the fifth conference aimed to review Vietnam-NGO cooperation during the 2019-2025 period, assess the impact and contributions of NGO programs and projects to Vietnam’s socio-economic development, share effective cooperation models between ministries, sectors, localities and foreign NGOs, and summarize practical lessons in the management and use of NGO aid to help outline future orientations and solutions, reported VOV.

Overview of the conference (Photo:qdnd.vn)

According to the report presented at the conference, global uncertainties over the 2020-2025 period created numerous challenges for international relations and affected NGO operations in Vietnam. However, thanks to renewed approaches adopted by ministries, agencies and localities, NGO activities and assistance over the past five years remained steady.

As of Nov. 30, 2025, 379 foreign non-governmental organizations were operating regularly in Vietnam, with total assistance during the 2020-2024 period reaching nearly US$1.14 billion. NGO-supported projects were implemented nationwide, focusing on essential areas including healthcare, socio-economic development, social welfare, education and training, natural resources and environmental management, institutional capacity building, and legal assistance.

Upon addressing the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son reaffirmed that Vietnam consistently supports and facilitates the activities of foreign NGOs to strengthen people-to-people ties with countries worldwide while mobilizing resources for poverty reduction and sustainable development. He noted that cooperation with foreign NGOs remains an important component of Vietnam’s integrated external relations framework, alongside Party diplomacy, State diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges.

He said the Vietnamese Government would continue to adopt policies to create favorable conditions for NGO operations and encourage expanded cooperation models linking public, private and social sectors.

The Deputy PM also urged ministries, agencies and localities to renew their mindset and management approaches toward people-centered and community-focused development, proactively seek donor support, streamline administrative procedures, expand the use of digital tools, and place particular emphasis on project sustainability.

At the conference, Le Kim Dung, Country Director of CARE (US) in Vietnam, highly appreciated the cooperation of Vietnamese relevant agencies and expressed hope that the Government would maintain an open policy environment enabling NGOs to operate within trilateral partnership mechanisms to further contribute to Vietnam’s development in the new period.

Nguyen Tuyet Nga, Vietnam Country Director at PATH, reaffirmed PATH’s long-term commitment to accompany Vietnam as a reliable partner supporting the country in achieving its national development targets.

In recent years, the Committee for Foreign Non-Governmental Organization Affairs, together with relevant ministries, agencies and provincial authorities, has continued to promote a supportive operating environment for NGO activities. Acting as the standing body of the Committee, the VUFO has played a central coordinating role in connecting foreign NGOs with Vietnamese institutions and localities, serving as a regular information channel and cooperation facilitator to support donors and NGOs in establishing strategies, programs and projects in line with Vietnam’s priorities and development needs.

The Committee has also focused on the standardization of administrative procedures, supporting shorter processing times, boosting inter-agency coordination at all levels, providing guidance and monitoring of cooperation activities, and building capacity through training programs for officials engaged in NGO affairs across ministries, sectors, mass organizations, and local administrations to ensure sustainable and effective partnership outcomes.

New storm may form in the East Sea as cold air front intensifies

A new tropical storm could form in the East Sea between December 7–9, according to the latest forecast by Southern Vietnam’s Meteorological and Hydrological

Station on the afternoon of December 3.

In its general weather outlook, the station noted that a cold air mass continues to push southward into the northern and north-central regions of Vietnam over the next 24 to 48 hours.

Meanwhile, the tropical depression - formerly Typhoon Koto (Storm No.15) - has weakened into a low-pressure system and moved into the coastal waters off Dak Lak and Khanh Hoa provinces.

In the upper atmosphere, a subtropical high is shifting westward across North Central Vietnam, while weak easterly wind disturbances continue to influence weather in the southern region. Over southern waters, northeast monsoon winds are gradually strengthening, VNN reported.

A new storm is likely to form in the East Sea in the coming days. Illustration photo: Trong Tung

From December 3 to 10, the cold air mass is expected to intensify, then stabilize before gradually weakening. However, around December 7–8, another wave of cold air is forecast to shift eastward again.

New storm possible around Dec 7–9

Of particular concern, a tropical depression currently located east of central Philippines may enter the East Sea between December 7 and 9 and strengthen into a storm, meteorologists warned.

An expert from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting echoed this outlook, confirming the center is closely monitoring the tropical disturbance off the Philippines and expects it to move into the East Sea around December 7 or 8.

Following the weakening of Typhoon Koto, experts predict that 1 to 2 more tropical storms or depressions may form over the East Sea this December. Historically, storms forming this late in the year tend to impact South-Central and Southern Vietnam.

Phu Quoc and Bangkok top Vietnamese travelers’ year-end plans

Booking.com, one of the world’s leading digital travel platforms, has drawn on its latest search insights to reveal where Vietnamese travelers are planning to spend their final journeys of 2025.

According to Booking.com’s Travel Trends 2025 data, 69% of Vietnamese travelers plan domestic trips. Phu Quoc emerges as the top domestic destination, with searches up 86% year-on-year. It is followed by Da Lat, Ho Chi Minh City, and Ha Noi, known for their seasonal celebrations and festive activities. Coastal cities including Da Nang, Nha Trang, Vung Tau, and Mui Ne remain popular for beach breaks, while Hoi An and Sapa attract those seeking cultural immersion and festive experiences.

Short international getaways are also gaining momentum. Nearly 30% of Vietnamese travelers plan trips of 1–4 nights abroad, while another 29% consider week-long journeys of 5-7 nights. Bangkok, Tokyo, and Seoul lead the searches for international destinations during the festive season, each offering a distinct appeal. For longer trips, Sydney and Paris emerge as key long-haul options, cited VOV.

Phu Quoc emerges as the top domestic destination for Vietnamese travelers during year-end holidays.

Search data for international visitors to Vietnam during the extended year-end break, from December 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, highlight a wide variety of cultural and leisure experiences. Beyond Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, top searches include Phu Quoc, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hoi An, and the mountainous regions of Sapa and Da Lat.

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