| Vietnam News Today (Mar. 20) notable headlines Vietnam maintains constructive cooperation with EU in combating IUU fishing: PM Vietnam and China Navies launch 40th joint patrol in Gulf of Tonkin Vietnam respects and ensures human rights, including freedom of religion or belief: Spokesperson Vietnam–China railway connectivity seen as strategic breakthrough in economic cooperation Vietnamese youth forum amplifies young voices for action in new era Vientiane meeting advances rollout of Laos–Vietnam cooperation plans Hoi An, Da Nang Int’l Airport named among world’s best Vietnam, Cuba step up practical cooperation to reinforce special ties 10th Vietnam - China border defence friendship exchange wraps up |
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| Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) receives Director for International Ocean Governance and Sustainable Fisheries of the EC Fernando Andresen Guimaraes. (Photo: VNA) |
Vietnam maintains constructive cooperation with EU in combating IUU fishing: PM
Vietnam has cooperated with the European Union (EU) in addressing illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing on a constructive spirit of “listening with sincerity, sharing from the heart, and demonstrating commitment through concrete actions,” Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed on March 19.
PM Chinh made the affirmation while receiving an inspection delegation from the European Commission (EC), led by its Director for International Ocean Governance and Sustainable Fisheries Fernando Andresen Guimaraes, who are on a working visit to Vietnam to conduct the fifth inspection of the country's fight against IUU fishing.
Welcoming the delegation’s practical and effective visit, the government leader stressed that the EU is a leading important partner in Vietnam’s foreign policy.
Reviewing the bilateral ties, particularly following the recent upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the PM noted that political trust continues to be strengthened, while economic, trade and investment cooperation has maintained strong growth with ample room for expansion. The EU is currently Vietnam’s fourth-largest trading partner, while the latter is the former’s largest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its 16th globally, with two-way trade reaching nearly 74 billion USD in 2025. The EU is also Vietnam’s sixth-largest investor.
Highlighting the significance of the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), he said these frameworks provide fresh momentum for investment cooperation and help EU businesses better connect with ASEAN markets.
Sharing Vietnam’s development strategy toward its centennial goals of becoming an upper middle-income developing country by 2030 and a high-income developed nation by 2045, PM Chinh underscored that sustainable fisheries development remains a key national priority.
He stressed that Vietnam’s efforts to combat IUU fishing are driven not only by the EC’s recommendations, but also by the country’s commitment to sustainable fisheries and its national reputation. He expressed his sincere appreciation to the EC for accompanying Vietnam throughout this process, noting that Vietnam has maintained proactive and close coordination with EC agencies over the years, cited VNA.
The Government, ministries, localities, businesses and fishing communities of Vietnam have implemented comprehensive and resolute measures to tackle IUU fishing such as improving the legal framework, strictly penalising violations, tightening fleet management, enhancing control over imported aquatic product origins, and introducing policies to support livelihood transitions for fishermen.
On the basis of the EU-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and with a constructive approach, PM Chinh affirmed Vietnam’s continued close cooperation in combating IUU fishing, while expressing his hope and confidence that the EC will consider lifting the “yellow card” warning against Vietnamese seafood, thereby further strengthening effective and substantive cooperation between Vietnam, the EU and its member states.
For his part, Guimaraes thanked PM Chinh for the reception, describing it as a clear signal of the Vietnamese Government’s strong commitment to combating IUU fishing.
He noted that the EC has accompanied Vietnam in this effort for over eight years and has observed significant and steady progress, particularly in establishing a robust fisheries control system, including vessel monitoring systems (VMS) and seafood traceability mechanisms.
The EC delegation expressed confidence that Vietnam successfully addresses shortcomings, meets the EC’s recommendations and achieves effective fisheries governance.
Vietnam and China Navies launch 40th joint patrol in Gulf of Tonkin
As part of the 10th Vietnam-China Border Defense Friendship Exchange, the navies of the two countries commenced their 40th joint patrol and combined training exercise in the Gulf of Tonkin on March 19.
The departure ceremony took place at Fangchenggang Port, Guangxi, China, in the presence of General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense of Vietnam, and Senior Lieutenant General Dong Jun, Minister of National Defense of China.
Commanders of the two navies reported that they had successfully completed cultural and sports exchanges and thoroughly coordinated all tasks for the patrol.
During this joint patrol and training exercise, the Vietnam People’s Navy deployed two missile frigates Tran Hung Dao and Ly Thai To, while the People's Liberation Army Navy of China deployed two missile frigates Hengyang and Enshi of its ship squadron.
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| The Defence Ministers of Vietnam and China pose for a photo ahead of the vessels' departure for the joint patrol. |
The operation will cover eight patrol routes and nine waypoints, spanning a total of 247 nautical miles over 28 hours. All vessels and technical equipment are fully operational, and officers and sailors are well-prepared for their missions.
Training activities will include formation maneuvering, maritime escort operations, signal communication, anti-piracy drills, search and rescue, and ship defense operations.
Prior to this mission, the Vietnamese and Chinese navies had successfully conducted 39 joint patrols and multiple combined exercises in the Gulf of Tonkin. This mechanism has helped maintain security and order in the region, enhance the navies’ readiness for non-traditional security challenges, and strengthen trust and mutual understanding between the two naval forces, thereby contributing to the broader Vietnam-China defense relations, according to VOV.
After receiving final instructions from the two defense ministers, the vessels departed Fangchenggang Port to begin their joint patrol and training operations. Weather conditions in the Gulf of Tonkin are reported to be favourable for the mission.
Vietnam respects and ensures human rights, including freedom of religion or belief: Spokesperson
At the regular press conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang responded to the information from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which recently released its annual report, placing Vietnam on the special watch list.
Vietnam firmly rejects the evaluations mentioned in the 2026 annual report by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, considering them as subjective, inaccurate, and based on evidence with ill intentions aimed at Vietnam.
Vietnam asserts its consistent policy of respecting and ensuring human rights, including the right to freedom of religion and belief, as clearly stated in the 2013 Constitution and the legal system of Vietnam. These rights are fully respected, and no Vietnamese citizen is discriminated against based on religious beliefs. The activities of religious organizations are guaranteed in accordance with the law, reported WVR.
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| Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang stated that Vietnam rejects the evaluation in the annual report by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
“We are always ready to engage in regular exchanges and cooperation on issues of mutual concern in a spirit of frankness, openness, and mutual respect, in line with the comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development between the two countries,” Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang stated.
Vietnam–China railway connectivity seen as strategic breakthrough in economic cooperation
Railway connectivity between Vietnam and China should serve as a strategic breakthrough in bilateral economic cooperation, helping unlock new growth drivers and enhance regional integration, Party General Secretary To Lam has said.
The Party leader was speaking at a working session held at Dong Dang railway station in Lang Son province on March 19, following a field inspection on the same day in which he was briefed on the development of three key railway corridors, namely Hanoi–Dong Dang, Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong, and Hai Phong–Ha Long–Mong Cai linking Vietnam and China, as well as the implementation of bilateral agreements between the two sides.
He emphasized that railway cooperation between Vietnam and China represents both a practical need and a major opportunity for long-term collaboration. He noted that enhanced rail connectivity could significantly reduce logistics costs, shorten transport times, and improve competitiveness. It would also facilitate cross-border trade, ease congestion at land border gates, and support the development of logistics centres, border economic zones, and industrial clusters in frontier provinces.
The initiative is expected to strengthen Vietnam’s integration into the broader Asia–Europe railway network, diversify international transport routes, and reduce reliance on maritime shipping. It also holds potential to foster regional economic corridors, reinforce supply chains, and elevate Vietnam’s position in Asia’s production networks, cited VOV.
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| Party General Secretary To Lam makes a field inspection of key railway projects between Vietnam and China in Lang Son province on March 19. (Photo: VNA) |
Addressing financing challenges, the General Secretary called for diversified and sustainable funding mechanisms while ensuring national financial security. He stressed the importance of establishing a unified national coordination framework for strategic infrastructure projects, with clear responsibilities assigned across ministries and localities. Effective inter-agency coordination, he noted, must ensure alignment between transport infrastructure development and broader regional planning, logistics systems, and industrial zones along economic corridors.
Highlighting both opportunities and challenges, the top leader reiterated that railway connectivity with China should be treated as a key strategic priority, contributing to lower logistics costs and stronger economic competitiveness while enabling deeper integration into regional and global transport networks. He also held that all cooperation projects must align with Vietnam’s national development strategies and infrastructure planning, ensure economic efficiency, diversify funding sources, and maintain transparency in technology and standards.
Given the scale and urgency of the task, the General Secretary called for strong political determination and unity across the entire system. He assigned the Government Party Committee and the Ministry of Construction to formulate a comprehensive railway development strategy for Vietnam–China connectivity within the broader national railway development plan for 2026-2030, with a long-term vision extending to 2045, 2100, and 2130.
Vietnamese youth forum amplifies young voices for action in new era
More than 1 million young people across Vietnam joined the forum on youth voices and youth union actions, held on March 19 and connected via over 16,000 online access points, highlighting a growing momentum for the youth's engagement in national development.
Organised by the Secretariat of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCYU) Central Committee, the dialogue focused on renewing the union’s operations in alignment with new requirements and conditions, promoting the pioneering role of young people in the new era of the nation’s rise, and supporting their comprehensive development.
According to First Secretary of the HCYU Central Committee Bui Quang Huy, the forum took place amid major national milestones, including the successful 14th National Party Congress and the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and the People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 tenure. It also came as the youth union approaches its 95th founding anniversary and is preparing for the 13th National Congress. Notably, the organizers received more than 71,000 questions and proposals from youth union members, nearly seven times higher than last year.
Huy emphasized that Vietnam’s new development phase requires rapid yet sustainable growth, mastery of science and technology, and enhanced innovation and digital transformation. In this context, young people are expected to play a pioneering role, and the youth union must strengthen its guidance and support mechanisms, VNA reported.
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| First Secretary of the HCYU Central Committee Bui Quang Huy speaks at the forum (Photo: VNA) |
Priority will continue to be given to political and ideological education, and modernising its approach through digital tools and practical activities. A key initiative in the coming term will be the movement “The Vietnamese Youth Pioneering in the New Era,” encouraging leadership in five areas: science and technology, innovation and digital transformation; economic development and entrepreneurship; international integration; volunteer activities for the community; and national defence, he added.
At the forum, attention was also given to expanding the youth's engagement, particularly among industrial workers and overseas students.
Nguyen Tuong Lam, Secretary of the HCYU Central Committee and President of the Vietnam Youth Federation, stressed the goal of ensuring no young person is left outside youth union and association structures.
Meanwhile, Standing Secretary of the HCYU Central Committee Nguyen Minh Triet highlighted the vital role of overseas Vietnamese youth and intellectuals as bridges for global knowledge transfer. Future plans include strengthening global youth networks and fostering closer links with domestic institutions and businesses.
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