CPV General Secretary To Lam is to visit the United Kingdom from 28-30 Oct. The two countries are expected to elevate their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership (the highest level).

Disgraceful! SKorean defence ministry summoned Vietnamese defence attache over alleged sexual misconduct by VN deputy defence minister Hoang Xuan Chien during his visit to Seoul last month. Chien allegedly “inappropriately touched” a female public servant. m-en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN202510…

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is visiting Vietnam 24-25 Oct. I recall that late foreign minister Nguyen Co Thach once said “We don’t have such a high regard for the UN… during the last 40 yrs we have been invaded by 4 of the 5 permanent members of the Security Council.”

Unprecedented flooding in the ancient capital of Hue due to heavy rains. I heard the whole city is flooded as the rain continues. 😭

Vietnam steps up reclamation work on strategic reef in S. China Sea in island-building efforts bit.ly/3LaUvih

Vietjet signed a deal to buy 100 A321neos from Airbus during To Lam’s visit to the UK. It had also purchased 200 Boeing 737-8s, the first of which was delivered in Sept. Mdm Thao really is everywhere 🤣

Vietnamese police have detained actress and film producer Truong Ngoc Anh, 49, on allegations of abusing trust to misappropriate significant company assets. What a shocker! She is one of A-list celebrities here and has been seen doing lots of charity work.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth arrived in Hanoi, meeting defence minister Phan Van Giang. He’s expected to call on Gen Sec To Lam and President Luong Cuong. Arms sales are on the agenda but I fear Vietnam’s pocket is not deep enough.

Police general Nguyen Duy Ngoc, 61, has become Hanoi’s party chief (2025-2030) replacing Bui Thi Minh Hoai who now heads the Fatherland Front, a less prominent role. Not really Hoai’s demotion but definitely Ngoc’s promotion in his stellar career. He was born in Hung Yen.