National Champions Policy: A Politburo resolution under General Secretary Tô Lâm spotlights the private sector as a growth driver, aiming to build at least 20 “national champions” by 2030—raising questions about selection, market concentration, and how Vietnam’s late-start market economy will manage the shift. Vietnam–Thailand State Visit: President To Lam hosted King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida in Hanoi, framing the trip as a milestone for the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 2025 upgrade to a comprehensive strategic partnership, with emphasis on people-to-people bonds. People-to-People Diplomacy: To Lam told VUFO to raise standards for people-to-people work by building deep, well-connected networks that can mobilise real resources for development. Vietnam–India Strategic Push: In New Delhi, FM Le Hoai Trung and EAM S Jaishankar reviewed progress under the upgraded partnership, with Jaishankar stressing Vietnam’s role in India’s Act East/Indo-Pacific vision and both sides looking to turn political momentum into tangible outcomes. BRICS Multilateral Track: PM Le Minh Hung’s BRICS sidelines diplomacy in India included meetings with major leaders and international organisations, reinforcing Vietnam’s multilateral engagement. Hanoi Governance Debate: A proposed triumphal arch near Hoàn Kiếm and a Grab drivers pay dispute both spotlight competing public priorities—big symbolic projects versus workers’ everyday concerns. Defense Oversight: NA President Tran Thanh Man urged the Vietnam People’s Navy to lead sovereignty protection at sea and islands while accelerating science, tech, and digital transformation. Vietnam–France Momentum: Vietnam and France issued a joint statement on implementing their comprehensive strategic partnership, as business and cooperation plans—like Decathlon’s investment outlook—gain traction. Regional and Global Context: Coverage also notes Russia’s diplomacy blitz focused on fuel, trade and transit with Global South partners, shaping the wider strategic environment Vietnam navigates.