| Vietnam News Today (Sep. 10) notable headlines Vietnam reaffirms defense stance at Seoul dialogue 30 years of Vietnam-US diplomacy celebrated in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnamese cultural colors shine at UK’s largest Southeast Asian festival Vietnam’s economic growth remains resilient in 2025: WB Vietnam recognized as key maritime transport hub More than 5 decades of Vietnam-Australia relations at a glance Vietnam National Day marked at World EXPO Osaka with cultural highlights HCM City’s mooncake market heats up ahead of Mid-Autumn Festival Vietnamese firms step up branding efforts in digital space |
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| Deputy Minister of National Defense Sen. Lieut. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien (second from right) attends the 14th Seoul Defense Dialogue's session on reducing military tensions and establishing long-term trust. (Photo: VNA) |
Vietnam reaffirms defense stance at Seoul dialogue
Vietnam remains steadfast in its "four no's" defense policy, considering military transparency, adherence to international law, and commitment to solving disputes through peaceful means as the foundation for building trust, Deputy Minister of National Defense Sen. Lieut. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien affirmed while attending the 14th Seoul Defense Dialogue on September 9.
In his speech at a session on reducing military tensions and establishing long-term trust, Chien said that history has shown that multilateral mechanisms play a pivotal role in preventing crises, reducing tensions, and building long-term trust. Notable examples today include the East Asia Summit (EAS), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, the Seoul Defense Dialogue, the Shangri-La Dialogue, the Moscow Conference on International Security, and especially the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+).
He affirmed that Vietnam consistently pursues a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation, and development, and is always ready to be a friend and a reliable partner of all countries.
On the East Sea issue, Vietnam maintains a consistent stance that all maritime disputes must be solved by peaceful measures, based on international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It is necessary to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and work towards an early conclusion of a substantive, effective, and efficient Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with international law.
To reduce military tensions and build long-term trust, the Vietnamese representative proposed five groups of solutions, including adherence to international law; promotion of multilateralism; respect for independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity; enhancement of transparency regarding military policies, strategies, and activities; and commitment to cooperation for peace and the building of strategic trust both regionally and globally, cited VNA.
Reducing military tensions and establishing long-term trust is not merely a political choice, but an essential requirement for maintaining peace, stability, and development in the 21st century. Vietnam firmly believes that with sincerity, genuine trust, and a spirit of responsibility, all parties can work together to prevent the risk of conflict and jointly build a peaceful and prosperous future, said Chien.
In his opening remarks, the Republic of Korea (RoK)’s Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-baek emphasised a strategy centered on “national interest” and affirmed that the RoK will continue expanding comprehensive partnerships to restore and establish peace not only on the Korean Peninsula but also in the region and around the world.
Under the theme “Confronting Geopolitical Challenges: Building Peace through Cooperation”, the 14th Seoul Defense Dialogue, which will last until September 10, focuses on urgent global security issues, ranging from measures to reduce military tensions and restore strategic stability to building future security capabilities.
On the sidelines of the event, the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense delegation also held bilateral meetings with representatives from Malaysia, Singapore, and Turkey.
30 years of Vietnam-US diplomacy celebrated in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City solemnly held a ceremony on September 9 to mark the 30th anniversary of Vietnam-US diplomatic ties (July 1995-July 2025), marking a historic milestone in bilateral relations.
Upon addressing the ceremony, Nguyen Van Duoc, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, said that the official normalization and establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the US on July 12, 1995, was a historic turning point in bilateral ties.
He noted that this laid the foundation and momentum for strengthened cooperation across a variety of fields from politics, security, and economics to culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges.
Over the past 30 years, numerous new milestones have been achieved in Vietnam-US relations, most notably the establishment of the Comprehensive Partnership in 2013 and its elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development in September 2023, according to VOV.
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| Delegates attending the ceremony (Photo: sggp.org.vn) |
Alongside the broader progress in bilateral relations, Ho Chi Minh City’s cooperation with US localities has been steadily consolidated and expanded, making practical contributions to common development and laying the groundwork for deeper locality-to-locality co-operation.
The city has taken the lead in promoting Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence and diversification, while also serving as the birthplace of pioneering cooperation models with the US.
Notable examples include the establishment of the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AmCham Vietnam) and the Fulbright Economics Teaching Program, the forerunner of today’s Fulbright University Vietnam.
Nguyen Van Duoc affirmed that, with the solid foundation of the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the legacy of 30 years of locality-to-locality cooperation, Ho Chi Minh City will continue to work closely with the US Consulate General and the US business and investor community. He highlighted the city’s determination to open a promising new chapter in the bilateral relationship, especially in strategic areas such as science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and high-quality human resource development.
Melissa Brown, US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, expressed her pride and delight in attending the ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of Vietnam-US diplomatic relations. She described the occasion as an opportunity to look back on three decades of achievements while embracing the opportunities ahead. From former adversaries to comprehensive strategic partners, the US and Vietnam have built a relationship founded on mutual trust, economic prosperity, and strategic cooperation.
According to Melissa Brown, the Vietnam-US partnership is a diplomatic success story. Together, the two countries have reached major milestones, including remarkable growth in trade, deeper defense cooperation, and joint humanitarian efforts such as dioxin remediation and unexploded ordnance clearance, which have contributed to healing and reconciliation.
The private sector has served as a driving force in bilateral cooperation, with co-operation ranging from supply chains and energy to artificial intelligence and semiconductors. She emphasized that cooperation between businesses and the two governments has become a stabilizing force in the face of global challenges.
Melissa Brown also stressed that education and people-to-people diplomacy are at the heart of the Vietnam–US relationship. Hundreds of thousands of students have participated in educational exchange programs, thus strengthening mutual understanding and friendship. She affirmed that these connections form the foundation for a shared future. The 30th anniversary, she added, is both a reflection of past achievements and a call to action for further cooperation.
The anniversary celebration in Ho Chi Minh City was held in a solemn and friendly atmosphere, featuring special art performances by Vietnamese and US artists.
Vietnamese cultural colors shine at UK’s largest Southeast Asian festival
Vietnam made a striking impression at the CelebrASIA Festival, the largest Southeast Asian cultural celebration in the UK, with captivating performances that highlighted the vibrancy and richness of the Vietnamese culture, drawing admiration and attention from international friends.
Taking place over three days from September 5–7 at Battersea Power Station, the festival welcomed more than 150,000 visitors from around the globe. Now in its second year, the event has grown into a dazzling cultural, culinary, and artistic extravaganza in the heart of London, celebrating the identity, diversity, and unity of the Southeast Asian region.
The Vietnamese delegation, organized by the Vietnamese Women and Children’s Association in the UK (VWC UK), stood out with a series of parades and cultural performances. These not only honored traditional heritage but also reflected the youthful, modern, and globally integrated spirit of the Vietnamese culture, cited VNA.
One of the festival’s most memorable highlights was the ao dai parade. The graceful elegance of Vietnam’s national dress showcased the cultural value of ao dai, promoting the image of Vietnam and its people to both British and international audiences.
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| The Vietnamese delegation parades in traditional ao dai and conical hats along the streets of London. (Photo published by VNA) |
Adding to the allure, the "Love Collection" fashion show featured exquisite designs made from Salakhe silk, taking visitors on a rich artistic journey. Particularly notable was the appearance of models wearing hand-painted non la (Vietnamese conical hats) bearing symbols of all 10 ASEAN nations, a powerful visual message of solidarity, integration, and the enduring vitality of Southeast Asian culture within the broader Asian context.
Speaking with the Vietnam News Agency, Ha Hoang, President the VWC UK, expressed her surprise and delight at the enthusiastic response from the international audience, organizers, and overseas Vietnamese community. The warm support for the performances reflects a deep appreciation for the Vietnamese culture and art, a vibrant thread in the rich cultural tapestry of London, she said.
Vietnam’s economic growth remains resilient in 2025: WB
Vietnam’s GDP growth is projected to reach 6.6 percent in 2025, following a strong surge of 7.5 percent in the first half of the year, noted the World Bank (WB) in its Vietnam Economic Update released on September 8.
The bank noted that Vietnam's economic growth in the first half was one of the fastest rates in the region, reflecting strong momentum despite continued global uncertainties.
The report said the strong momentum provides a solid basis for Vietnam to achieve its growth target for the whole year, even as the global economy continues to face geopolitical and trade challenges.
Vietnam is currently the fastest-growing economy in the region, outpacing countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Exports have been the main driver, spurring manufacturing, logistics and transport services, shared WB economist for Vietnam Sacha Dray.
The WB forecasts Vietnam's GDP growth at 6.1 percent in 2026 and rebounding to 6.5 percent in 2027.
As an export-oriented economy, the Southeast Asian nation remains vulnerable to slower global growth and softening demand from major trading partners. Trade policy uncertainties may also begin to weigh on business and consumer confidence. Despite challenges, Vietnam remains appealing as a competitive manufacturing base.
WB Division Director for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos Mariam J. Sherman noted that with low public debt, Vietnam has ample fiscal headroom to respond to external uncertainties, VGP reported.
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| WB Division Director for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos Mariam J. Sherman at the launching ceremony, Ha Noi, September 8, 2025. Photo: VGP |
To sustain growth and mitigate risks, the bank recommended Vietnam continue scaling up public investment, ensuring strict oversight of financial-sector risks, and accelerating structural reforms.
The special focus of this edition, titled "Nurturing Vietnam's High‑Tech Talents" highlights the need to build a skilled talent base that can support and accelerate the country's innovation ecosystem and its goal of high‑income status by 2045.
According to the WB, Vietnam will require not only a broad and growing pipeline of young STEM graduates, but also a stronger core of experts who lead research, run laboratories, and turn ideas into market-ready products.
Vietnam recognized as key maritime transport hub
On the sidelines of the recent 10th Eastern Economic Forum, FESCO’s Deputy General Director for logistics in Vladivostok, German Maslov, said that after two years operating the sea route connecting Vladivostok with Vietnamese ports, the route has proven highly effective and attracted strong demand from customers in both countries. Initially operated by a single vessel, FESCO now runs three vessels regularly, with cargo volumes between Vietnam and Russia expanding by 16% in 2025 compared to 2024. Goods from ASEAN member states to Russia are also transshipped through Vietnamese ports.
Two months ago, FESCO added routes from Vietnam to Saint Petersburg in the northwest and Novorossiysk in the south, enabling Vietnamese cargo to access Russia’s three largest ports. Maslov emphasized that Vietnam has become an indispensable location for logistics development in the region. Beyond Russia, Vietnam is also seen as a key hub for regional routes, including Vietnam–Malaysia, Vietnam–Indonesia, and Vietnam–Thailand. Thanks to this, FESCO’s cargo volume with Malaysia soared by 66%, and with Indonesia it doubled.
FESCO has opened a representative office in Vietnam and is considering building warehouses, port facilities, and joint ventures.
Vietnam’s Consul General in Vladivostok, Nguyen Viet Kien, stated that the Russian Far East accounts for nearly 40% of Russia’s vast territory, rich in minerals, land, and ports, cited VOV.
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| Photo: VOV |
Vladivostok serves as a gateway for trade between Asia and Russia, with connections to the Baikal-Amur and Trans-Siberian railways, facilitating domestic onward transport across Russia. Nevertheless, trade with Vietnam remains modest, with Q1 2025 turnover at around US$55 million, of which 90% is Vietnamese exports. In terms of investment, TH True Milk has established a 4,000-hectare cattle farm near Vladivostok.
Consul General Kien emphasized that Vladivostok should be viewed as a strategic gateway, and timely exploitation offers opportunities to expand into the Russian and broader Eurasian markets.
With increased investment in the Far East announced at the recent Eastern Economic Forum by Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on energy, transport infrastructure, and urban development, this presents a prime opportunity for Vietnamese enterprises to “pave the way” and establish early market presence. The Vietnamese Consulate and trade representative office in Vladivostok stand ready to serve as a bridge, providing guidance and support for domestic enterprises in establishing and expanding investments in the time ahead, Kien added.
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