TAMPA, Fla., May 26 - Special operations forces from the United States and Vietnam are signaling a readiness to start forging ties should their governments choose to do so, in what would be a major step in relations between militaries that were at war 4-1/2 decades ago. TAMPA, Fla., May 26 - Special operations forces from the United States and Vietnam are signaling a readiness to start forging ties should their governments choose to do so, in what would be a major step in relations between militaries that were at war 4-1/2 decades ago. Rear Admiral Colin Kilrain, who leads U.S. Special Operations Forces in the Asia-Pacific region, told Reuters in an interview that he met the commander from Vietnam's elite forces on the sidelines of a conference in Tampa, Florida, this week. "Both of us would like to deepen the relationship but we're also very mindful that we go at the pace of what our governments want to do," Kilrain said, disclosing the details of the meeting. The talks, which … [Read more...] about As ties deepen, elite U.S., Vietnam forces eye possible opening
Vietnam conflict
Vietnam attaches importance to promoting cultural diversity
Speaking at the High-Level Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) on Human Rights and Cultural Diversity at the UN headquarters in New York on December 1 (Vietnam time), Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, head of Vietnam’s permanent mission to the UN, welcomed and supported the adoption of the Political Declaration and Action Programme of the NAM on human rights and cultural diversity. She stressed the need to continue treasuring the NAM’s fundamental values of solidarity, tolerance, dialogue and cooperation. She affirmed that Vietnam backs constructive dialogue and cooperation on the basis of mutual respect and no interference in internal affairs of sovereign countries. It is necessary to have a balanced and comprehensive approach to fostering and ensuring human rights, she said, adding that economic, cultural and social rights should be respected as political and civil rights, with regards to development level, history and specific features of each nation. In his opening … [Read more...] about Vietnam attaches importance to promoting cultural diversity
Samsung Electronics sparks at labor abuse claims in Vietnam
A new report has revealed a series of health and workplace violations at Samsung plants in Vietnam, but the South Korean tech giant has categorically rejected the claims. The study, which was released early this month, has alerted both international and Vietnamese labor agencies by shedding light on “serious” labor code violations at an industrial giant that is one of the leading investors and employers in the country. 45 female workers reported extreme fatigue, fainting and dizziness at work, and said that miscarriages were extremely common. They also said that workers, including pregnant women, were required to stand for the entire 8-12 hour shifts or face a pay cut. Many are rostered on alternating day and night shift shifts, regardless of weekends, they said. Workers said they had experienced problems with their eyesight, nose bleeds and stomach aches, as well as joint and leg pains. No workers have received copies of their contracts, which is mandatory under Vietnamese … [Read more...] about Samsung Electronics sparks at labor abuse claims in Vietnam
Why Canada hesitates over Asia-Pacific free trade deal that includes Vietnam
Even without the U.S., the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) accord represented US$356.3 billion in global trade in 2016. Tuoi Tre News looks into the reasons for Canada’s reluctance to enter an agreement that would open the doors to such a lucrative market.Japan and Australia are the two most vocal supporters of a TPP deal without the U.S., despite a 60 percent loss of the bloc’s total GDP after the White House announced its withdrawal in January. TPP is a free trade agreement originally involving 12 member states of the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the U.S. and Vietnam.It was expected to serve as a counterbalance to China’s growing regional dominance.More than any other country, Japan wants the TPP to take effect in order to constrain China’s yawning shadow over the Asia-Pacific, especially as Sino-U.S. relations have become warmer under recent … [Read more...] about Why Canada hesitates over Asia-Pacific free trade deal that includes Vietnam
Same sex marriage allowed but not recognised in Vietnam
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) people in Vietnam can marry and co-habitat without being interfered or fined beginning from January 1. A same-sex wedding party. Bui Minh Hong, an official from the Ministry of Justice’s Department of Economic and Civil Legislation, said the regulation is under the amended Law on Marriage and Family which takes effect from January 1. As a result, the government no longer either ban same-sex marriage or harass them but will still not recognise such kind of marriage. "Tthey can organise wedding parties and live together but their marriage is not legally recognised by a certificate of marriage," Hong explained. According to her, during the compiling of the amended law, lawmakers took into account a regulation deaing with dispute over assets and children of these couples; however, the final version submited to the National Assembly did not include such regulations. … [Read more...] about Same sex marriage allowed but not recognised in Vietnam