Diplomacy in the new era: Party General Secretary and State President To Lam opened the 33rd Diplomatic Conference in Hanoi (hybrid to localities and overseas missions), urging foreign affairs to turn guidance into tangible resources for national development and to renew thinking, forecasting and strategic advice. Economic diplomacy targets: Conference sessions highlighted trade momentum toward the 1-trillion-USD goal, with FTAs and certificates of origin driving export growth. Party-to-implementation push: In parallel, To Lam chaired a national teleconference to disseminate and implement the 14th Party Central Committee’s third plenum resolutions, stressing unified, accountable action across ministries and localities. Security strategy shift: The plenum’s national security direction reframes security as a prerequisite for development, focusing on prevention and resilience rather than reacting after threats emerge. Public security leadership: Deputy Public Security Minister Dang Hong Duc was promoted to Senior Lieutenant General, with emphasis on Party absolute leadership and readiness. Regional and bilateral moves: Vietnam-RoK ties got a boost as To Lam received RoK transport minister Kim Yun-duk, while Vietnam also engaged Laos and Cambodia through top-level Party and legislative contacts. External signals in the region: A U.S. nuclear carrier docked in Danang, underscoring ongoing security diplomacy amid wider regional activity. IUU crackdown: Lam Dong accelerated measures to meet EC “yellow card” requirements by Sept. 30, 2026. FDI quality agenda: Resolution No. 10 reframes FDI as a strategic investment platform, prioritising technology, green growth and added value over sheer capital inflows. Business going global: Vingroup plans nearly two dozen overseas projects across at least 15 countries as the home market cools, aiming to fund EV and tech ambitions. Culture and soft power: To Lam attended a landmark Italian staging of La Traviata in Hanoi, reflecting deepening Vietnam–Italy cultural cooperation.