Cultural Heritage & Hanoi Governance: General Secretary/President Tô Lâm attended the groundbreaking for conservation, restoration and rehabilitation of Kinh Thiên Palace at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, with Hanoi officials stressing scientific restoration that preserves original elements and the site’s centuries-long role as a political center. Rule of Law & Administration: Tô Lâm urged a sweeping, coordinated legal overhaul to improve dispute prevention/settlement and judgment enforcement, warning against loopholes and illegal interference while tightening oversight and clarifying procedures. Science, Tech & Digital Transformation: PM Le Minh Hung chaired a thematic meeting on how science, technology, innovation and digital transformation can deliver more measurable growth gains in 2026, as the country targets double-digit momentum. Tourism Breakthrough: Deputy PM Pham Thi Thanh Tra called for shifting from administrative management to tourism ecosystem governance, removing institutional bottlenecks and preparing for APEC Year 2027. Human Rights & Security: Vietnam confirmed arrests of activists reported missing in Cambodia, including Australian human rights activist Tran Hiep, with authorities citing illegal entry and “terrorism” charges while Viet Tan and supporters allege “transnational repression” and fabricated cases. Foreign Policy & Diplomacy: Tô Lâm’s UNGA 81 message emphasized shared responsibility, restoring trust and upholding international law; meanwhile, Vietnam upgraded ties with Canada to a Strategic Partnership, expanding cooperation pillars from trade and digital transformation to defence and people-to-people links.