Key Events
- Việt Nam Bans Economist Print Edition Featuring To Lam on the Cover
- International Coalition Renews Call for Release of Imprisoned Vietnamese Journalist Pham Doan Trang on Her 47th Birthday
- Sweeping Local Government Reform: Vietnam to Launch New Commune-Level Units by July
- THACO Proposes to Lead $61 Billion North-South High-Speed Railway Project
- Vietnam and France Sign Over $10 Billion in Cooperation Deals During Macron’s Visit
Việt Nam Bans Print Edition of The Economist Featuring General Secretary Tô Lâm
Hà Nội has prohibited the distribution of the May 24, 2025, Asian print edition of The Economist, which features Việt Nam’s top leader, Tô Lâm, on its cover. The cover portrays Lâm with two stars over his eyes against a red backdrop, referencing the national flag, accompanied by the headline: “The man with a plan for Vietnam.”
The issue’s main article characterizes Lâm as a “Communist Party hard man” who must transition into a reformer to sustain the country’s economic growth.
Local distributors reported receiving directives to remove the cover and the article about Lâm, rendering the magazine unsellable. Subsequently, they were instructed not to sell the issue at all. While the print edition is banned, the digital version remains accessible within Việt Nam.
This incident underscores Việt Nam’s stringent media censorship practices. The country routinely restricts books, films, and other cultural works, maintaining tight control over public discourse. Việt Nam ranks 173rd out of 180 countries in the latest press freedom index published by Reporters Without Borders.
The portrayal of Lâm sparked varied reactions on Vietnamese social media. Some readers viewed the article as undermining the nation’s political development, while others saw it as international recognition of Việt Nam’s growth.
Lâm, 67, ascended from leading the Ministry of Public Security to become Việt Nam’s president in May 2024 and Communist Party chief in July 2024 following a power struggle. His leadership is pivotal as Việt Nam seeks to consolidate its economic boom amid global trade tensions.
The ban on The Economist’s print edition reflects the broader challenges media outlets operating under Việt Nam’s restrictive environment face, highlighting ongoing tensions between state control and press freedom.
International Groups Renew Appeal for Release of Jailed Journalist Phạm Đoan Trang
On May 27, 2025, a coalition of international human rights organizations—including Reporters Without Borders (RSF), PEN America, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and Legal Initiatives for Vietnam (LIV)—renewed their call for the immediate and unconditional release of Vietnamese journalist and pro-democracy activist Phạm Đoan Trang, who spent her 47th birthday behind bars.
Trang, a prominent writer and co-founder of the independent news outlet Luật Khoa Magazine, was arrested in October 2020 and sentenced in December 2021 to nine years in prison under Article 117 of Việt Nam’s Penal Code for “conducting propaganda against the state.” Her conviction has been widely condemned by international observers as a violation of her right to free expression.
The joint statement, released on May 27, highlights concerns over Trang’s deteriorating health and the denial of adequate medical care during her detention. The organizations urge the Vietnamese government to grant her immediate access to medical treatment and to release her without condition.
Trang has received multiple international awards for her work, including the 2019 RSF Press Freedom Prize for Impact, the 2022 CPJ International Press Freedom Award, and the 2024 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award.
In addition to the call for Trang’s release, the coalition urges the Vietnamese government to release all writers and journalists imprisoned for exercising their right to free expression, to end harassment and threats against journalists and writers, and to repeal legislation that violates press freedom.
The statement also calls on the international community, including the United States and the European Union, to press Việt Nam to uphold its human rights obligations and to release all individuals detained for peacefully expressing their views.
Trang’s continued imprisonment underscores the broader crackdown on dissent and independent journalism in Việt Nam, which ranks among the world’s worst countries for press freedom.
As Trang marks her fourth birthday in prison, advocates around the world continue to campaign for her release and for greater protections for freedom of expression in Việt Nam.
The Politburo Orders New Communal-Level Units Operational by July 1, 2025, Amid Sweeping Administrative Reforms
On May 25, the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) issued Conclusion No. 157, setting a clear timeline for nationwide administrative restructuring at the commune and provincial levels. Under the directive, all provinces and cities must activate newly merged commune-level administrative units by July 1, finalize commune-level reorganization by July 15, and complete provincial-level consolidation by August 15.
The conclusion emphasizes strict oversight of personnel arrangements in areas affected by the mergers. The Politburo explicitly bans undue influence and interference in staffing decisions to prevent localism, factionalism, and corruption. It also instructs the government to urgently issue new regulations defining the roles, responsibilities, and organizational structures of local governments under the new framework.
State-affiliated bodies—including the Vietnam Fatherland Front, armed forces, and public institutions—are instructed to wind down operations in units set to be dissolved and are prohibited from establishing new labor unions during this transition.
Regarding temporary personnel arrangements, the government must provide detailed guidance for appointing interim leaders at the commune, ward, and special district levels. These assignments were to be completed by the end of May, with any additional instructions issued no later than June 5.
This directive follows Conclusion No. 155, issued on May 17, which outlines broader leadership responsibilities in the restructuring process. It instructs Party members to maintain strict confidentiality concerning the provincial merger plans and internal downsizing measures. Members must manage information dissemination carefully, particularly on social media platforms, and prevent the leakage of classified or sensitive internal documents.
Additionally, Party organizations are tasked with intensifying public communication campaigns to ensure consensus among party members and the public regarding the restructuring. They are also responsible for proactively disseminating official information to shape public understanding and mitigate misinformation.
These sweeping changes reflect the Party’s ongoing efforts to streamline Việt Nam’s administrative apparatus and improve governance efficiency. However, the measures also raise concerns about transparency, public participation, and the centralization of political control during the sensitive merger process.
On May 27, Vietnamese media reported that the Trường Hải Group (THACO) has formally proposed to be the lead investor in the North–South High-Speed Railway project, following procedures outlined in the Law on Investment.
THACO and VinSpeed—the two major contenders—both estimate the total investment cost at $61.35 billion. Each pledges to contribute 20% of the project’s capital and cover the remaining 80% through loans.
However, their approaches to financing differ. THACO proposes that the government guarantee its loans and support interest payments over a 30-year period, without seeking direct state funding. In contrast, VinSpeed has requested a 35-year, interest-free loan directly from the government.
THACO also suggests a 70-year project operation period—shorter than VinSpeed’s proposed 99 years—and has pledged not to transfer any ownership or project shares to foreign entities.
The project is planned in two phases over seven years. The first phase, lasting five years, would focus on constructing the Hà Nội–Hà Tĩnh and Hồ Chí Minh City–Nha Trang segments. The second phase, estimated to take two more years, would connect Hà Tĩnh to Nha Trang, completing the railway’s central link.
THACO proposes that ticket pricing be approved by state authorities, ensuring financial viability and an acceptable return on investment. Additionally, the company commits to serving as a core domestic manufacturer of train cars, locomotives, and signal systems to reduce costs and support sustainable industrial development in Vietnam.
Founded by Trần Bá Dương, THACO is a diversified conglomerate with roots in the automotive sector. It has since expanded into infrastructure, mechanical manufacturing, and other sectors. As of June 30, 2024, THACO’s equity stood at over 54 trillion dong ($2.16 trillion). Despite a declining profit trend since 2023, the company maintains a dominant 32% share of Vietnam’s auto market with a high localization rate.
However, THACO’s debt-to-equity ratio (D/E) is currently 2.45—translating to 133 trillion dong in liabilities. While this is within the acceptable industry norm (1–3 times), it draws attention in the context of such a massive infrastructure undertaking. In comparison, Vingroup, VinSpeed’s parent company, reported a D/E ratio of 4.23 in Q1 2025.
As both proposals undergo public and expert scrutiny, legal expert Trương Thanh Đức has called for enhanced oversight mechanisms. Speaking to VietTimes, Đức suggested forming an independent appraisal council comprised of local and international experts, government representatives, and professional associations. This body would assess the technical plans, financial structure, environmental impact, and investor capacity before making any final decision.
The North–South High-Speed Railway remains one of Việt Nam’s most ambitious infrastructure projects to date, and the competition to lead it is shaping up to be a test of both financial strength and political confidence.
Macron Pushes Indo-Pacific Vision as France Deepens Ties With Việt Nam
Việt Nam and France signed agreements worth more than $10 billion during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Hanoi from May 25 to 27, marking a new chapter in their strategic partnership. The visit coincided with the 10th anniversary of the countries’ upgrade to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2014, and 52 years since diplomatic normalization in 1973.
France remains the only European Union member state with which Việt Nam has such a high-level strategic relationship—reflecting deepening cooperation in trade, security, and infrastructure. During his visit, Macron described Việt Nam as a “land of promise” and reaffirmed France’s commitment to the region.
According to Reuters, 14 cooperation agreements were signed—fewer than the initially expected 30—covering aviation, maritime logistics, infrastructure, and more.
Among the most notable deals, Vietjet Air expanded its aircraft order with Airbus by 20 jets, bringing its total to 40. The Vietnamese budget carrier now operates a fleet of 122 Airbus planes. French media reported that additional aerospace cooperation agreements were also reached between Airbus and Việt Nam.
Meanwhile, France’s largest shipping group, CMA CGM, announced a $600 million deal to develop two container ports in Lạch Huyện, Hải Phòng—part of Việt Nam’s critical northern trade infrastructure.
In a major development hinting at longer-term engagement, Macron revealed that France is considering investing in a high-speed rail line between Hà Nội and Hồ Chí Minh City. The proposed project would cost an estimated $67 billion.
However, Macron’s visit was not without controversy. Prior to his arrival, international human rights organizations urged the French president to press Việt Nam on its deteriorating human rights situation, including the imprisonment of over 170 political prisoners.
In their joint statement, the Vietnamese government reiterated its commitment to human rights in line with international obligations, though Macron refrained from publicly addressing the issue during high-level meetings.
Macron instead proposed that Việt Nam consider France as a “third option” in navigating its strategic positioning between the U.S. and China—offering Paris as a reliable partner in trade and defense cooperation.
His trip comes amid rising U.S.–EU trade tensions and a broader EU shift toward Southeast Asia as a destination for investment and geopolitical alignment. For France, deepening ties with Việt Nam align with its Indo-Pacific strategy, in which Việt Nam plays a key regional role.
As both nations seek to diversify partnerships in a volatile global landscape, the agreements mark a diplomatic milestone and signal an intent to strengthen economic, strategic, and technological collaboration in the years ahead.
Quick Takes:
Việt Nam Uses Article 331 to Jail Facebook User Over Traffic Decree Posts
On May 27, 2025, a Hà Nội court sentenced Đậu Thị Tâm to 10 months in prison under Article 331 for posting Facebook videos that allegedly distorted a government traffic decree. Authorities said her content misrepresented Decree 168/2024 and caused public concern. Tâm admitted guilt, which was considered a mitigating factor.
Former High-Ranking Judge and 22 Others Face Prosecution in Major Bribery Case
On May 28, the investigative agency of Việt Nam’s Supreme People’s Procuracy recommended prosecuting Phạm Việt Cường, former deputy chief justice of the High People’s Court in Đà Nẵng, along with 22 others. The defendants are accused of bribery and abuse of power. Investigators allege the suspects colluded with litigants to influence outcomes in multiple cases across Đà Nẵng and other provinces. Those implicated include former judges, prosecutors, court clerks, and lawyers.
The CPV has issued Regulation No. 287, outlining procedures to recover assets obtained through corruption uncovered via internal inspections. Under the new rule, recovered assets will be temporarily deposited into the State Treasury. The regulation comes as the Party intensifies disciplinary efforts and prepares personnel planning for its upcoming 14th National Congress.
Việt Nam Plans to Tax Unused Real Estate to Curb Speculation
The Vietnamese government has instructed the Ministry of Finance to expedite the development of a new tax policy targeting unused land and housing. The proposed measure aims to deter real estate speculation and market manipulation. Around 788 real estate projects across the country remain stalled due to legal and regulatory obstacles.
Vietnam’s Mekong Challenge: Balancing Ties with China Amid Build Up of Dams, Canal Projects
South China Morning Post/Sam Beltran/May 30
“China has embarked on extensive dam-building activities in the Mekong area, operating 12 mainstream dams and 95 tributary dams that pose an upstream threat to Vietnam, according to Phan Xuan Dung, research officer at ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute and a PhD candidate at Australian National University. ‘These dam projects have been developed unilaterally without consultation with the lower Mekong countries,’ Phan said, adding that the dams have significantly reduced water flow and sediment reaching the Mekong Delta.”