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Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang reaffirmsVietnam’s consistent adherence to its “Four No’s” defense policy,at the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31.

Vietnam reaffirms “Four No’s” defense policy amid global strategic tensions

Defense Minister General Phan Van Giang delivered a strong message reaffirming Vietnam’s consistent adherence to its “Four No’s” defense policy at the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31.

At the plenary session on “Ensuring Stability in a Competitive World,” Gen. Giang reiterated that Vietnam remains steadfast in its principles of independent foreign policy and self-reliant defense, while emphasising peaceful resolution of disputes and dialogue as a prerequisite for stability.

He warned of unprecedented geopolitical volatility, including intensified strategic rivalry among major powers, the risk of arms races, and the erosion of multilateral institutions. The rise of power politics and narrow nationalism is challenging international law, eroding multilateral institutions, and undermining global trust in cooperation.

Those challenges, he said, demand strict adherence to the UN Charter, international law, and the principle of sovereign equality. Countries must honour their commitments and respect equality, independence, sovereignty, and the legitimate interests of all nations, regardless of size or power.

Unilateral actions or imposition will inevitably lead to suspicion, conflict, and disagreement, hindering joint efforts to address common security challenges, he said, citing the guiding principle of late Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh, that “with goodwill, we can turn major issues into minor ones, minor ones into trivial ones, and trivial ones into nothing at all.”

In such a context, peace, cooperation, and development continue to be the prevailing global trends, and the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions remain among the most dynamic areas of growth, he noted.

He also highlighted that the Fourth Industrial Revolution, along with breakthroughs in science and technology, particularly artificial intelligence, is opening up vast opportunities for development.

While acknowledging that Vietnam is not immune to global challenges, the Defense Minister said that the country is actively seizing emerging opportunities to advance its development.

With regard to the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea) issue, Gen. Giang reaffirmed Vietnam’s consistent stance, stressing that the country is committed to resolving all disputes through peaceful means. He emphasized adherence to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and called for the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC).

The Defense Minister also expressed Vietnam’s desire to accelerate the establishment of a substantive and effective Code of Conduct (COC) to help maintain peace, stability, security, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the region, cited VOV.

Gen. Giang praised the Shangri-La Dialogue along with other major international security forums such as the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, the Moscow International Security Conference, and the Munich Security Conference. He said these platforms offer valuable opportunities for nations to share perspectives, foster mutual understanding, and build trust for more effective cooperation.

He further said that regional multilateral cooperation mechanisms, especially those led by ASEAN, have proven effective in promoting shared development. Vietnam, he stressed, stands ready to actively participate in and support these efforts as a responsible and committed member of the international community.

Gen. Giang reaffirmed Vietnam’s steadfast commitment to being a responsible and active member of ASEAN, while calling on other countries to support ASEAN’s central role and help strengthen the bloc’s autonomy and resilience.

He asserted that the Ministry of National Defense of Vietnam is committed to engaging in good faith with countries around the world through practical and effective cooperation mechanisms. He expressed a strong desire to promote dialogue and collaboration based on the rule of law, mutual respect, and unity in diversity, with the shared goal of fostering regional and global peace, stability, security, and prosperity.

Reflecting on Vietnam’s painful history of war, General Giang underlined the country’s deep appreciation for peace and stability. He affirmed Vietnam’s unwavering pursuit of an independent, self-reliant foreign policy while promoting multilateralism and diversification of relations. Vietnam, he said, seeks to be a trusted friend and partner and a responsible member of the international community, actively contributing to global political dynamics and economic integration.

Vietnamese, Japanese firms foster partnership

An economic cooperation and trade promotion conference between Vietnam and Japan took place in Tokyo on May 30, attracting more than 100 delegates from government agencies and businesses of both countries.

The event was jointly organized by the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (Vietrade), the Vietnam Trade Office in Japan, and the ASEAN–Japan Center (AJC).

Opening the event, Bui Quang Hung, Vietrade Deputy Director, noted that Vietnam has deeply integrated into the global economy, having signed 17 free trade agreements with over 60 countries and territories, covering about 60% of global GDP.

He highlighted Japan as one of Vietnam’s most important economic partners, with steady trade growth and ongoing economic exchanges creating valuable opportunities for both sides, according to VNA.

AJC Secretary General Kunihiko Hirabayashi addresses the event (Photo: VNA)

AJC Secretary General Kunihiko Hirabayashi emphasized Vietnam’s long-standing appeal as a key investment destination for Japanese businesses, citing its young and capable workforce, competitive production costs, strategic location, and proactive engagement in new-generation FTAs. He reaffirmed that even amid global uncertainties, Vietnam remains a reliable and strategic partner for Japan, continuing to play a prominent role in global trade and value chains.

The AJC leader outlined potential areas for future collaboration between the two nations, including green and eco-friendly products, joint branding efforts to combine Vietnam’s manufacturing prowess with Japan’s reputation for reliability, and coordinated expansion into emerging markets to strengthen supply chains. In the healthcare sector, he noted Vietnam’s growing demand and its potential as a promising partner in pharmaceutical and medical equipment R&D.

Beyond investment, Hirabayashi described Vietnam as an ideal place to live, praising its rich culture, hospitable people, world-class cuisine, tourist destinations, and improving infrastructure and education.

New heatwave bakes Northern and Central Vietnam, temperatures rise to 39°C

Following a spell of heavy rain, the Northern and Central regions of Vietnam are bracing for a new widespread heatwave, with temperatures forecast to rise to 39°C beginning May 31.

According to the National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting Center, central localities from Thanh Hoa to Phu Yen will experience intense heat, with daytime temperatures ranging from 35°C to 37°C, and some areas exceeding 37°C.

By June 1, temperatures are expected to climb even higher, reaching 36 - 39°C. This heatwave is projected to last through at least June 8.

In the North, isolated hot weather will first appear on May 31 in provinces including Lao Cai, Hoa Binh, Hanoi, Hai Duong, Hung Yen, Nam Dinh, and Ha Nam.

From June 1, heat will spread across the entire northern region, with highs between 35°C and 37°C, and localised peaks above 38°C. Real-feel temperatures could be 2–4°C higher, especially in densely built areas with lots of concrete and asphalt.

The relative humidity of the air in these regions is set to remain low, ranging from 45% to 50%, which will further intensify the feeling of oppressive heat and dryness, reported VOV.

New heatwave sweeps across Northern and Central Vietnam, starting May 31 with daytime temperatures rising to 39°C. (Illustration)

The capital city of Hanoi is forecast to endure three consecutive days of heat, with June 1 expected to be the hottest, reaching around 37°C.

Despite the daytime heat, local residents are advised to stay alert in the evening and nighttime for sudden showers and thunderstorms, which may be accompanied by dangerous weather phenomena such as whirlwinds, lightning, hail, and strong gusty winds.

This is the fourth major heatwave of the year for Northern and Central Vietnam - 2 to 3 fewer than typically recorded during this period in past years.

In contrast to the scorching heat in the North and Central regions, the Central Highlands and Southern Vietnam will continue to experience scattered showers and thunderstorms during the day, increasing in frequency by late afternoon and evening. Some areas may see heavy rain.

Smart tourism on the rise: Vietnam embraces digital transformation

In the era of rapid development of Industry 4.0, Vietnam’s tourism sector has embraced technology to improve promotional efforts. Artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly common and is regarded as an essential approach to engaging today’s digital-age travellers.

Integrating technology into tourism promotion

According to research from Booking.com and AppotaPay, 69% of respondents turn to social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube for travel inspiration. Changing travel behaviours are driving a clear shift toward technology in tourism marketing in Vietnam.

Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, a tourism expert, emphasized that with the growing influence of digital technology, communication and promotion methods must evolve to meet changing traveller expectations.

Across Vietnam, many localities are accelerating the use of digital tools in tourism promotion. Historical and cultural sites in Hanoi have been digitised and integrated into digital platforms. Key attractions such as the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the Vietnam National Museum of History, the Temple of Literature, and Hoa Lo Prison have effectively adopted technologies like automated audio guides and electronic ticketing systems.

Ho Chi Minh City tourism has launched modern information kiosks using 3D displays to provide interactive visual content and useful information. In the north-central province of Thanh Hoa, smart tourism initiatives have been implemented across eight major destinations, with increased promotion on platforms like Facebook and TikTok, VNA reported.

Service robots in the tourism sector introduced at the Hanoi International Tourism Fair (VITM) 2025. (Photo: hanoimoi.vn)

Tourism companies are also innovating their outreach strategies. VietSense Travel has launched TV-247, a YouTube-based travel channel offering daily news and features that introduce destinations and share travel tips. BestPrice Travel has integrated AI-powered chatbots that act as virtual tour guides, assisting customers with information and bookings.

Driving efficient and coordinated digital transformation

Hoang Quoc Hoa, Director of the Tourism Information Center under the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), noted that many destinations in Vietnam still lack a strong digital presence. The lack of synchronized digital transformation and data integration limits promotional effectiveness.

Vu The Binh, Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, pointed out that despite the rapid evolution of technologies like AI and robotics, many localities and businesses have yet to adapt, resulting in underwhelming implementation.

In response, the VNAT has developed several digital platforms to support the tourism industry, including the “Vietnam Travel” mobile app, the “Tourism Management and Business” platform, a national tourism database, e-ticketing systems, and communication channels on major digital and social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and TikTok.

Nguyen Trung Khanh, VNAT Director General, stated that the government has tasked the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism with building a unified national smart tourism ecosystem to strengthen state management, support tourism businesses, and improve visitor experiences. He emphasized the need for localities to align their digital transformation strategies with national directives to avoid fragmented and inefficient efforts.

To maximise the impact of technology in tourism promotion, Binh urged local governments and businesses to stay updated on technology trends and tailor their applications to specific promotional activities. AI is becoming integral in all aspects of life. To effectively use AI and emerging technologies, investment in training and improving human resources is essential, he said.

Hanoi ranks 11th among world’s 15 most loved cities by Time Out

The UK-based Time Out magazine has recently published a list of the 15 most loved cities in the world by tourists, with Hanoi ranking 11th.

Hanoi is the only representative from Vietnam to be included in the list.

This ranking is based on an analysis of global travelers' search trends for flights, hotels, and travel itineraries, conducted by the travel insurance company InsureandGo.

Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, stands out thanks to its harmonious blend of ancient beauty and modern vitality, preserving the nostalgic charm of the Old Quarters, historic relics, and architectural works, while embracing the continuous development of a dynamic city, VGP reported.

The capital city of Hanoi.

According to the report from the city's Department of Tourism, in the first five months of the year, 12.77 million visitors travelled to Hanoi, a year-on-year increase of 10.9 percent. Of the figure, international visitors reached 3.16 million, up 20.2 percent.

The Department noted that the number of international tourists to Hanoi has shown steady growth, especially from key markets such as Japan, South Korea, China, France, and the U.S.

Over 50 years since its foundation in London, Time Out has become a global media and hospitality brand influencing how tens of millions of people go out around the world, with content covering 333 cities in 59 countries.

Time Out's high-quality content, curated by expert journalists, now spans a global network of websites, social media channels, videos, live events and Time Out Markets.

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