Key Events
- US Rep. Derek Tran Backs Jailed Vietnamese Journalist in Fight for Press Freedom
- Major Administrative Shake-Up: Vietnam Reduces Number of Provinces
- Vietnam Strengthens Ties with Indonesia and Singapore
- Political Prisoner Can Thi Theu Faces Death Threats from Cellmate as She Refuses to Admit Guilt
In a significant move highlighting international concern over press freedom in Vietnam, U.S. Congressman Derek Tran has officially adopted the case of imprisoned Vietnamese journalist Le Huu Minh Tuan through the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission’s Defending Freedoms Project. This initiative underscores the ongoing efforts to secure the release of individuals detained for exercising their right to free expression.
Le Huu Minh Tuan, a journalist and online commentator, was arrested in June 2020 under Article 117 of Vietnam’s Penal Code, accused of “propaganda against the state.” As a member of the Independent Journalists Association of Vietnam (IJAVN), Tuan was known for his critical stance on government policies and his advocacy for human rights.
In January 2021, he was sentenced to 11 years in prison. Reports indicate that during his detention, Tuan has suffered from severe health issues, including ulcerative colitis and hepatitis, and has been denied adequate medical treatment.
Congressman Derek Tran, representing California’s 45th district, has proactively advocated for Tuan’s release. In collaboration with PEN America, a delegation met with Rep. Tran, who immediately agreed to sponsor Tuan through the Defending Freedoms Project. This sponsorship aims to amplify Tuan’s plight and apply pressure on the Vietnamese government to address his unjust imprisonment and deteriorating health condition.
PEN America has been at the forefront of advocating for Tuan’s release, highlighting the urgency of his medical needs. Despite repeated appeals from his family, the Vietnamese government has reportedly refused to provide adequate medical treatment. During a recent visit, Tuan’s family observed that his health had not improved, raising alarm about his well-being.
Vietnam has faced international criticism for its human rights record, particularly concerning freedom of expression and the press. The government’s use of Article 117 to silence dissenting voices has been a point of contention. In response to international inquiries, the Vietnamese authorities have maintained that individuals like Tuan are detained for violating laws, not for exercising free speech.
The involvement of Congressman Derek Tran in Le Huu Minh Tuan’s case brings renewed attention to the challenges faced by journalists in Vietnam. As international advocacy intensifies, it remains to be seen how the Vietnamese government will respond to calls for Tuan’s release and improvements in its human rights practices.
Vietnam is set to undergo a significant administrative restructuring, aiming to streamline governance and enhance public service delivery. The government plans to reduce the number of provinces by approximately 50% and consolidate 60-70% of its commune-level administrative units.
On March 12, 2025, the Vietnamese government issued Decision 571, forming a Steering Committee to oversee the reorganization of administrative units at all levels. This committee is led by Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh and includes key figures such as Minister of Interior Pham Thi Thanh Tra and Minister Tran Van Son, head of the Government Office. The Ministry of the Interior is tasked with developing the restructuring plan, outlining the roadmap, and guiding localities through the process.
During a government meeting on March 11, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the necessity of this restructuring to create a more efficient governance system. He highlighted that the majority of public opinion supports the government’s efforts to reorganize administrative units, aligning with Vietnam’s current socio-economic development, improved digital infrastructure, and evolving transportation networks.
The government has expressed its intention to seek public opinion on the proposed mergers of provinces and cities. The draft arrangement was submitted to the Politburo on March 14, 2025, and will undergo further consultations with local authorities and communities. The finalized proposal is expected to be presented to the Central Executive Committee for consideration by mid-April. Official announcements regarding the administrative restructuring are anticipated during the 9th session of the National Assembly in May 2025.
Regarding amendments to the Party Charter, the Organizing Committee and the Central Examination Committee of the Party shall coordinate and submit proposals no later than April 9.
On March 5, newspapers reported the Standing Committee of the Government Committee of the Party met and discussed the possibility of abolishing the district level of the government and merging provinces.
Vietnam currently comprises 63 provinces and cities, serving a population exceeding 100 million. Between 1975 and 2008, the country experienced multiple mergers and divisions of provinces and cities. The last significant change occurred in 2008 when Ha Tay Province and several other administrative units were merged into Hanoi, stabilizing the number of provinces and cities at 63.
Vietnam Elevates Diplomatic Ties with Indonesia and Singapore to Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships
In a significant diplomatic advancement, Vietnam has elevated its relationships with both Indonesia and Singapore to Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships (CSPs). This move underscores Vietnam’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and fostering economic growth within the ASEAN community.
On March 10, 2025, during a state visit to Jakarta, Communist Party General Secretary To Lam and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto agreed to upgrade their bilateral relationship to a CSP. This decision marks a historic milestone, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress made since establishing a Strategic Partnership in 2013 and emphasized the potential for further cooperation in emerging sectors such as the digital economy, green energy, and the development of electric vehicles. They also set a target to increase bilateral trade, which reached $16.7 billion in 2024—a 21.6% increase from the previous year—to $18 billion by 2028.
Following his visit to Indonesia, General Secretary To Lam traveled to Singapore, where he met with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on March 12, 2025. The two leaders agreed to elevate ties to a CSP, marking Singapore’s first such partnership with an ASEAN country.
The upgraded partnership aims to expand cooperation in various sectors, including digital innovation, renewable energy, and financial services. Notably, both nations are exploring collaborations on subsea cable projects to enhance regional connectivity and support the burgeoning data center industry.
In a gesture symbolizing the strengthened ties, Singapore honored General Secretary To Lam and his spouse by naming a new orchid hybrid “Papilionanda To Lam Linh Ly,” combining their names. This tradition, known as “orchid diplomacy,” reflects the deepening relationship between the two countries.
With the inclusion of Indonesia and Singapore, Vietnam now maintains CSPs with 12 countries, including China, Russia, India, South Korea, the United States, Japan, Australia, France, and Malaysia. This network reflects Vietnam’s proactive foreign policy and its commitment to fostering regional stability and economic development.
The elevation of ties with Indonesia and Singapore is expected to bolster ASEAN unity and contribute to the region’s collective prosperity. By deepening collaboration in critical sectors such as the digital economy and renewable energy, these partnerships aim to address shared challenges and capitalize on mutual opportunities.
Vietnam’s strategic move to strengthen relations with key ASEAN members underscores its role as a proactive and engaged member of the regional community, committed to promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development in Southeast Asia.
Vietnamese Land Rights Activist Can Thi Theu Reports Death Threats from Cellmate Amid Ongoing Incarceration
RFA Vietnamese reports that Vietnamese land rights activist and prisoner of conscience Can Thi Theu reported to her family that she received death threats from her cellmate at Prison No. 5 in Thanh Hoa Province. These threats are allegedly linked to her persistent claims of innocence regarding her 2021 conviction for “propaganda against the state.”
Born in 1962, Cấn Thị Thêu is a well-known advocate for land rights and human rights in Dung Noi village, Ha Noi. She was arrested alongside her son, Trinh Ba Tu, on June 24, 2020, after expressing support for the Đong Tam villagers involved in a land dispute with local authorities.
In May 2021, both were sentenced to eight years in prison under Article 117 of Vietnam’s Penal Code, a statute criticized by international human rights organizations for its vague language and use in suppressing dissent.
During a family visit on March 12, 2025, Theu informed her husband, Trinh Ba Khiem, that a cellmate had threatened her life, stating that if she continued to proclaim her innocence, she would be killed. The cellmate reportedly warned, “the more you struggle, the sooner you die.” This inmate was transferred to Theu’s cell in October 2024.
Due to restrictions imposed by prison officials limiting conversations to health and family matters, Khiem was unable to obtain further details about the threats. He recalled that during a previous visit, Theu had requested a cell transfer, but prison authorities had not approved her request.
Following the visit, Khiem filed a complaint with the Thanh Hoa Provincial People’s Procuracy regarding the threats against his wife. An official, Nguyen Van Bang, acknowledged receipt of the complaint and verbally assured that an investigation would be conducted, and appropriate disciplinary actions taken if the allegations proved true. Khiem has indicated that he will escalate the complaint to higher authorities if no satisfactory resolution is reached.
Theu’s family has been actively involved in protesting land seizures deemed unjust, advocating for fair compensation, and supporting broader democratic and human rights movements in Vietnam. Their activism has led to multiple incarcerations. The family’s persistent activism has subjected them to ongoing governmental repression, reflecting the broader challenges faced by land rights activists in Vietnam.
The reported threats against Can Thi Theu highlight the precarious conditions faced by prisoners of conscience in Vietnam. International human rights organizations have consistently criticized the Vietnamese government’s treatment of activists and called for greater protection for those advocating for fundamental rights. The outcome of the investigation into Theu’s allegations remains to be seen as her family continues to seek justice on her behalf and to protect her safety.
Quick Takes:
Vietnamese Refugees in Thailand Find Hope as U.S. Resettlement Program Resumes
Vietnamese refugees in Thailand have expressed renewed optimism following the U.S. government’s decision to reinstate its refugee resettlement program, including the Welcome Corps initiative.
This program, which had been suspended under a previous executive order, allows American citizens and permanent residents to privately sponsor refugees seeking safety in the United States.
The recent court ruling in Seattle mandated the program’s reinstatement, prompting U.S. agencies to resume processing pending applications. Vietnamese refugees in Thailand, especially those who came from indigenous groups like Ê đê or Montagnards, shared their joy, stating that the news has rekindled their hope for a new beginning after years of uncertainty.
Vietnam Expels Two Former Officials from Communist Party for Violations of Party Rules
The Secretariat of Vietnam’s Communist Party expelled two former officials on March 14, 2025, for significant violations of its rules. Hoang Van Thang, former deputy minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Nguyen Thanh Rum, former director of Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, were found to have deviated in political ideology, ethics, and lifestyle.
Their actions breached Party regulations and state laws, leading to substantial financial losses and damaging public trust. Thang was previously indicted for accepting bribes to favor certain businesses in delayed projects, while Rum received a four-year prison sentence in 2022 for negligence causing serious consequences in a land exchange case that resulted in a 186 billion dong loss to the state.
Vietnam Reviews Import Duties to Boost Imports of U.S. Agricultural Products, Liquefied Natural Gas, and High-Tech Goods
Vietnam is actively reviewing its import duties on U.S. goods, aiming to increase imports of American agricultural products, Liquefied Natural Gas, and high-tech items. This initiative seeks to address the significant trade surplus Vietnam holds with the United States, which exceeded $123 billion in 2024. By adjusting tariffs and encouraging the import of key U.S. products, Vietnam aims to balance trade relations and mitigate potential reciprocal tariffs from the U.S.
In line with these efforts, Vietnamese and American firms have recently signed agreements valued at approximately $4.15 billion, encompassing sectors such as energy and minerals.
Additionally, a delegation of over 60 major U.S. companies, including Boeing, Apple, and GE, is scheduled to visit Vietnam next week to explore business opportunities, reflecting strong confidence in Vietnam’s economy.