Russian experts concerned East Sea tensions
At an international seminar on territorial disputes, the maintenance of peace and law in the era of globalisation held in Moscow on Monday, Russian experts shared concerns about new tensions in the East Sea. Among the concerns, the construction of artificial islands and runways and deployment of surface to air missile systems by China drew the most attention. They recommended some specific legal mechanisms such as filing a petition with the International and ASEAN Courts of Justice as well as legal solutions to ensure peace and security in the East Sea, especially ASEAN countries should speed up the ratification of the Code of Conduct and strive further to reach the neutrality treaty in the East Sea.
Spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry Le Hai Binh (Credit: VNA)
Vietnam takes action after terror attacks in Belgium
The Vietnam Embassy in Belgium has established two hotlines for people to call to follow up on Vietnamese citizens that may have been in the vicinity of the recent attacks in Brussels, Belgium, which occurred on March 22nd. In addition, the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has tightened security on all flights to Europe without any changes in their flight schedule. The Vietnamese Embassy in Belgium has said no Vietnamese nationals were reported to have been injured or killed in the terror attacks.
Last 13th National Assembly meeting convenes
The 13th National Assembly convened its 11th meeting on Monday. This is the last meeting of the 13thNational Assembly. National Assembly deputies will spend over 10 days considering and making decisions on the State personnel issue. On Monday, government reports on socio-economic developments during the 2011-2015 term and plans for the next 5 years were presented and then discussed on Thursday. The NA also spent time reviewing the five-year performance of State, NA and Government agencies. Along with that, National Assembly discussed draft revisions to the Press Law, the Law on Child Protection, Care and Education, the Pharmaceutical Law and the Law on Import-Export Duties. /.
First Mekong – Lancang River Cooperation meeting underway in China
The first Mekong – Lancang River Cooperation Leaders Meeting kicked off on March 23rd in Hainan Province, China. Foreign ministers from the 6 countries in the Mekong – Lancang River region are seeking economic cooperation, especially in agriculture and water resources management.
On the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh met with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to boost bilateral cooperation between the two sides./.
Australian leaves Vietnam infected with Zika
Vietnam may be the next country confirming a case of Zika infection, as an Australian tourist has been diagnosed with Zika after visiting Vietnam, according to the World Health Organization. The visitor arrived in the country on February 26 and left on March 6. After returning home, symptoms of typhus, fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis began to appear. Following the news, the ministry of health has enacted measures to prevent the outbreak of the disease.
Vietnam investigates steel imports from China
The domestic steel industry is being challenged by cheap ingot steel imports from China. The government is instructing agencies to enhance steel market oversight, and urgently apply safeguards and anti-dumping measures. The Ministry of Finance and the General Department of Vietnam Customs are revising contracts for imported ingot steels in accordance with the regulations, to examine the origin of imports.
Phu Tho Xoan Singing (Credit: VNA)
Phu Tho Xoan Singing to be proposed as intangible cultural heritage
The Prime Minister has approved for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to formally propose to UNESCO that Xoan singing in Phú Thọ province be added as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The Ministry has been asked to work with the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO to submit the document by Mar 31st. In 2011, Xoan Singing in Phú Thọ was listed by UNESCO among the world's Intangible Cultural Heritages in need of urgent protection.
Vietnam joins Asian Fashion Week in Japan
Vietnamese fashion designer Minh Hanh, winner of last year’s Fukuoka award, represented Vietnam to attend Asian fashion week held in Fukuoka City, Japan. Minh Hanh’s fashion collection impressed viewers at Asian Fashion week with her unique combination of jeans and 3D embroidery. The event this year features 40 collections of Japanese, Vietnamese, Spanish and American fashion designers.
