Vietnam Roundup: US relations, penalties for marital rape, Grammy nominees

The U.S. flag flutters next to the Vietnamese flag during a welcoming ceremony for U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter in Hanoi, Vietnam

FILE PHOTO: The U.S. flag (L) flutters next to the Vietnamese flag during a welcoming ceremony for U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter (not pictured) at the Defense Ministry in Hanoi, Vietnam June 1, 2015. Carter discussed his call for an end to island-building in the South China Sea in talks on Monday with his Vietnamese counterpart, who said Vietnam had not expanded its islands but had done work to prevent wave erosion. REUTERS/Hoang Dinh Nam/Pool/File Photo

Source: X80003

Trump affirms strong US relations with Vietnam

President-elect Donald Trump has recently reiterated the strong economic ties between the US and Vietnam during a phone conversation with Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam. Emphasising the contributions of the Vietnamese-American community, he reflected on his previous visits to the country and discussed enhancing bilateral relations. Both leaders expressed their commitment to deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership established during President Joe Biden's visit, with plans to celebrate 30 years of normalised relations in 2025, highlighting significant trade achievements.

Proposed penalties for marital rape and domestic abuse

Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security has proposed new penalties for marital rape and domestic abuse, aiming for fines of up to VNĐ30 million (approximately $1,185). This initiative follows the enforcement of stricter penalties two years ago, with over 1,000 cases of domestic violence reported since that time. The current data for 2023 indicates a rise in male victims and underscores the ongoing challenges of unreported cases due to fear of stigma.

Vietnamese artists among Grammy nominees

Vietnamese-American artist Sangeeta Kaur has garnered a Grammy nomination for her album Mythologies II, which illustrates her continued dedication to music after her previous Grammy win. In parallel, director Bảo Nguyễn was nominated in the Best Music Film category for his documentary The Greatest Night in Pop. Designer Duy Đào also joins the recognition, being invited to the Recording Academy as a voting member, with a nomination for his box set design.

Health Minister addresses proposed ban on e-cigarettes

Vietnam’s Health Minister Đào Hồng Lan addressed rising e-cigarette use among youth during a National Assembly session. Citing increased usage among students aged 13-15, she outlined measures to revise the current tobacco laws. The Ministry of Health is proposing a ban on e-cigarettes due to their health impacts, highlighting challenges in regulating these products and the industry's profit motives. Minister Lan also emphasised ongoing efforts to manage tobacco harm and improve public health policies.

Vietnam to host largest World Teqball Championships

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s most populous city is set to host the seventh World Teqball Championships from December 4-8, 2024. This event is poised to be the largest yet, featuring various competitions and attracting athletes from over 90 countries. Organisers aim to enhance the atmosphere with cultural exhibitions and celebrations of Vietnamese culture, coinciding with the rising popularity of teqball, a sport that merges football, volleyball, and table tennis, with aspirations for Olympic inclusion. An investment conference will accompany the event, supporting the sport's development in Vietnam.

Edward Sakyi