https://archive.md/QHboI

The Trump administration has told its senior diplomats in Vietnam not to take part in events marking the 50th anniversary of the end of the war.

Four U.S. officials who insisted on anonymity to describe sensitive diplomatic decision-making said that Washington had recently directed senior diplomats — including Marc Knapper, the U.S. ambassador to Vietnam — to stay away from activities tied to the anniversary on April 30.

That includes a hotel reception on April 29 with senior government leaders and an elaborate parade the next day — gatherings hosted by Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, where the war ended with South Vietnam’s surrender.

Veterans returning to Vietnam have also been told they’re on their own, for public discussions they organize on war and reconciliation, and anniversary events. For many, it amounts to a sudden reversal after months of anticipation.

“I really don’t understand it,” said John Terzano, a founder of the Vietnam Veterans of Amer

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/28219321

China and Vietnam signed dozens of cooperation agreements during a state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, as he aimed to strengthen ties in Southeast Asia on his first overseas trip of the year.

Vietnam is seeking to further strengthen cooperation with China in security, transport and securing preferential loans as well as technology transfers from China, VTV said. Hanoi also expects more balanced trade with its neighbor, it said.

Xi landed in Vietnam days after Donald Trump raised tariffs on China but gave everyone else — including Vietnam, which is negotiating over its 46% rate — a 90-day pause.

His regional tour, which will also see him visit Malaysia and Cambodia, highlights the tricky position Southeast Asian nations face. They’ve become key routes for Chinese exports to reach the US since Trump’s tariff hikes on Beijing in his first term.

Vietnam’s economy is heavily reliant

A new Bloomberg report suggests Nintendo will be able to “build a stockpile of millions of consoles” shipped from Vietnam to the United States ahead of June’s Nintendo Switch 2 launch. That’s based off data provided by global trade data and customs analysis company NBD, which showed Nintendo shipped more consoles from Vietnam in February than it had “in the previous six months combined,” Bloomberg reported.

Nearly all of the output from Hosiden Corp. — one of three Nintendo Switch 2 assembly companies — was sent to the United States beginning in January, per Bloomberg’s data. The jump was from 11% to “two-thirds over the previous 12 months.” That’s good news for Nintendo, which, up until Wednesday, was facing President Trump’s 46% tariff on imports from Vietnam. Those tariffs are on a 90-day hold, save for a universal 10% tariff; that hold may not last forever, but it gives Nintendo time to ship tons of consoles to the United States. Bloomberg said “roughly a third” of Switch 2 cons

Google translate:

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Riot Games is surveying and planning to film a 9-episode TV series based on the League of Legends game and the online cartoon of the same name in Cat Ba, Hai Phong at the end of 2025. The episodes will be widely shown on platforms such as Netflix, HBO...

According to Ms. Rose Lam, Riot Studios surveyed many other countries in Asia such as Japan, Korea, Thailand and found that Vietnam is the best location for the company's creative and production needs. The team surveyed and evaluated Cat Ba as a suitable and highly feasible location.

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Emphasizing the viewpoint of the Party and State of Vietnam always wanting to be friends with all countries in the world for peace, friendship and development cooperation, the Minister affirmed that Vietnam is ready to cooperate and create the most favorable conditions for the research team and filming. At the same time, he suggested the film crew the following issues:

First of all, the delegation needs to clearly

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ca/post/39649897

Fun video about football subculture of Vietnam and other Southeast Asia countries.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/23522006

Summary

Vietnam’s Decree 147, a restrictive internet law, takes effect, granting the government expanded control over online content under the pretext of “national security” and “social order.”

The law requires tech platforms like Facebook and TikTok to store user data, verify accounts, and comply with takedown requests within 24 hours.

Critics, including Human Rights Watch, warn it suppresses dissent and stifles free expression, while activists fear increased censorship and intimidation.

The decree also limits gaming sessions and impacts those earning livelihoods through social media. Activists see it as a growing crackdown on civil liberties.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/23415131

cross-posted from: https://lemm.ee/post/48659236

In 2009 Vietnam had planned to build two nuclear power stations with a combined capacity of about 4,000 MW in the south-central province of Ninh Thuan, but the National Assembly rejected the proposal in 2016 on cost grounds.

Earlier reports have said that Vietnam was considering a return to nuclear power after 2035 with the construction of about 1,000 MW of capacity by 2040 and 5,000 MW by 2045.