Constructing a u s china rivalry in the indo pacific and beyond

The 26th ASEAN-RoK dialogue was held in Seoul on July 1. (Photo: VNA) Seoul (VNA) – The Republic of Korea (RoK) affirmed the importance it attaches to relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during the 26th ASEAN-RoK dialogue in Seoul on July 1. The RoK’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yeo Seung-bae and Ambassador Vu Ho , acting Head of ASEAN SOM Vietnam, co-chaired the event, the first in-person dialogue between ASEAN and a partner after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The two sides reviewed their relationship, outlined cooperation orientations and compared notes on regional and international issues. The RoK said it backs ASEAN’s centrality and pledged to coordinate with the bloc in implementing the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific through practical cooperation programmes and activities. The country spoke highly of ASEAN’s contributions to peace, cooperation and prosperity in the region over the past years, saying … [Read more...] about RoK attaches importance to relations with ASEAN

Laos promotes construction of the Laos - Vietnam railway’s section. (Photo: VNA) Vientiane (VNA) - The Lao government has “green-lighted” a feasibility study on a railway route connecting the Vientiane capital with Thakhek in central Khammouane province, part of the Laos-Vietnam Railway Project (LVRP). Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) just signed by the Lao government with the Lao Petroleum Trading Lao Public Company (PetroTrade), the LVRP, which is a high-speed electrified railway project, has a length of about 452km, with total investment of 5 billion USD. In the first phase, the railway will connect Thakhek town with Vung Ang seaport of Vietnam with a length of about 139km. Meanwhile, the second phase will be a 312-km route connecting Thakhek to Vientiane. The LVRP, which has been under consideration since 2015, will allow the connection of logistics supply routes between Laos and Vietnam. This is part of the Laos Logistics Link (LLL) project, … [Read more...] about Laos promotes construction of Laos – Vietnam railway’s section

"It is a serious violation of Vietnam's territorial sovereignty over the Spratly Islands, threatens peace, stability, safety, and maritime security, and escalates tensions and complicates the situation in the South China Sea," Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang told the media Saturday. Taiwan announced there would be live-fire drills in Itu Aba, known as Ba Binh in Vietnam, on June 28 and 29, and said vessels should stay away from the area. Hang said Vietnam's stance for years has been that it opposes Taiwan's live-fire exercises in the sea around Ba Ninh and Taiwan should stop its illegal actions. Vietnam has full legal basis and historical evidence to assert its sovereignty over the Spratly and Paracel Islands in accordance with international law, she pointed out. … [Read more...] about Vietnam tells Taiwan to desist from live-fire military exercises near Spratlys

Talking to Prudential Chairwoman Shriti Vadera, the N.A. leader congratulated the firm on its successes in the world as well as in Vietnam, expressing his hope that it will continue operating successfully in the country and fulfill its social responsibility. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Government and N.A. are ready to consider and deal with the problems facing businesses, including those from the U.K., when operating in Vietnam. Vadera said Prudential is delighted to be part of the country’s development, and it can help with this process by issuing long-term bonds. The insurer pledges to cooperate with the Vietnamese Government in green investment, insurance technology, and development of Ho Chi Minh City into an international financial center, she noted, affirming that it will concurrently develop its business and fulfill social responsibility. At the meeting with Chairman of Standard Chartered Jose Vinals, Hue thanked the enterprise for helping the Vietnamese Ministry of … [Read more...] about N.A. Chairman receives leaders of British enterprises in London

Addressing the event, Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Hieu underlined that the passing of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982 40 years ago was a historical milestone in the development of international law, becoming the first comprehensive legal framework and a “constitution” of the sea. The convention has proved its universal values, he said, adding that to date, it continues to play a fundamental role in the development of international law of the sea, promoting peace, security, cooperation among nations, and the sustainable development of the oceans and seas. Hieu affirmed that over the past 40 years, the legal order set up following the UNCLOS has greatly contributed to maintaining peace and international stability. The peaceful settlement of disputes at sea in line with international law, therefore, has been promoted. In the face of increasing maritime challenges, the international community should uphold the rule of law and comply in good … [Read more...] about UNCLOS greatly contributes to enhancing regional maritime cooperation: experts

Many Vietnamese airlines have proposed that the ceiling prices of domestic air tickets be further increased or removed as they have suffered heavy losses due to wildly soaring fuel costs. Even though air tickets have been rising, even higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic, carriers argued that they have to make up for relentlessly rising fuel expenses. Round-trip airfares of economy class for the Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City route are fluctuating around VND3-5 million (US$129-214) per ticket and those for business class are VND8-17 million ($343-729), an increase of 20-50 percent compared to periods with passenger shortages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Airfares to famous tourist destinations, such as Da Nang and Phu Quoc, have even changed hourly, and customers can hardly find cheap tickets even though for early morning or late-night flights. Many customers commented that many airlines might have taken unfair advantage of higher fuel prices, triggered by rising world oil … [Read more...] about Vietnamese airlines want domestic airfare caps raised, even removed, amid fuel cost hikes