President Xi Jinping is overseeing a sweeping plan to refurbish the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) by developing everything from stealth jets to aircraft carriers as China ramps up its presence in the South China Sea and around self-ruled Taiwan. The navy has been a key beneficiary of the modernization plan as China looks to project power far from the country’s shores and protect its trading routes and citizens overseas. Last month, Beijing unveiled a target of 7.5 percent rise in defense spending for this year, a slower rate than last year but still outpacing China’s economic growth target. Deputy naval commander Qiu Yanpeng told reporters in the eastern city of Qingdao that Tuesday’s naval parade - likely to be overseen by Xi himself, though China has not confirmed that - will feature 32 vessels and 39 aircraft. "The PLA Navy ship and aircraft to be revealed are the Liaoning aircraft carrier, new types of nuclear submarines, new types of destroyers, as well as … [Read more...] about China to show new warships as Beijing flexes military muscle on navy anniversary
Vietnam state-owned steel company’s former bosses in hot water
The Hanoitimes - Two former bosses of Vietnam Steel Corporation have been arrested for violating investment regulations. Two arrested for activities against Vietnamese State Deputy police minister: only law violators arrested Five former leaders of two state-run companies Vietnam Steel Corporation and Thai Nguyen Iron and Steel JSC (TISCO) has been arrested on charges of mismanagement causing major losses in a US$344 million steel project, VnExpress reported. The Vietnamese police have prosecuted four former steel executives on the charges of infringing investment regulations and mismanagement of public asset, causing losses in phase 2 of the TISCO’s project. Machinery and equipment MCC delivered had rusted and become damaged after lying unused for long. Photo: Ba Do Mai Van Tinh, former president of the Vietnam Steel Corporation, and Dau Van Hung, the corporation’s former CEO, were arrested for violating investment regulations. TISCO’s other … [Read more...] about Vietnam state-owned steel company’s former bosses in hot water
And there goes Coulthard…. on the streets of Hà Nội
David Coulthard drives through the streets of Mỹ Đình Stadium. — Photo zing.vn HÀ NỘI — Formula One legend David Coulthard put the peddle to the metal Saturday night and hit the streets of Hà Nội. Coulthard, who has won 13 races and stood on the podium 62 times, drove the Aston Martin Red Bull car in the capital, in build up to the F1 race in Hà Nội. In 12 months time, the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel will be behind the wheel battling it out for pole position. "This is a great opportunity for Hà Nội and Việt Nam to promote its image, attract investment and tourism," said Nguyễn Thế Hùng, Deputy Chairman of Hà Nội’s People's Committee. Fans are eager to see David Coulthard driving. — Photo zing.vn In 12 months time the world’s best F1 drivers will be racing around this track. — Photo zing.vn IAt the … [Read more...] about And there goes Coulthard…. on the streets of Hà Nội
OANA 44: Quang Ninh chairman receives OANA delegation
Long congratulated the OANA on the success of its 44th Executive Board Meeting, which was hosted by the Vietnam News Agency. He introduced the guests to Quang Ninh’s outstanding potential and advantages, as well as the province’s efforts in improving the local business climate and competiveness, and supporting enterprises. Quang Ninh is home to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO-recognised World Natural Heritage Site with nearly 2,000 islands and islets, along with a source of coal accounting for 90% of the country’s reserve, he said. Quang Ninh has focused on completing a competitive transport system serving its socio-economic growth, including the Hanoi-Hai Phong-Quang Ninh Expressway, Van Don International Airport, and an international seaport, he stated. Long highlighted that Quang Ninh has maintained its position among the top five localities with highest economic management efficiency in six consecutive years, and topped 63 localities in provincial competitiveness index in … [Read more...] about OANA 44: Quang Ninh chairman receives OANA delegation
Police investigate Taiwanese men linked to record 1.1 ton drug haul
Yeh Ching Wei, 33, Chiang Wei, 31 and one Vietnamese man, Bui Nguyen Huy Vu, 38 are being probed after traffic police detected two trucks and a car parked in wrong places on cameras on Friday. Suspicious that something illegal was afoot, police decided to check them. As the police arrived, one of the trucks and the car sped away on Vo Van Kiet Boulevard in District 1. The police gave chase and stopped them. They found that the truck, registered in Dong Nai Province, was carrying many carton boxes with cabinet loudspeakers that weighed much heavier than usual. The owners of the cartons, the two Taiwanese men, failed to show proper papers and were arrested. As they investigated the case further, police searched several suspected locations which they did not reveal specifically, and found more carton boxes of the same type with more loudspeakers the next day. Inside the loudspeakers, including those seized on the previous day, police discovered more than 600 kilos of methamphetamine … [Read more...] about Police investigate Taiwanese men linked to record 1.1 ton drug haul