Human Rights Watch accused authorities of harassing and detaining more than 170 activists over the past two decades in a newly released report; the group called for an end to the "systematic restriction" of activists' freedom of movement

The largest administrative reform in decades has been announced: Vietnam will merge provinces and eliminate the district level, reducing local government units by up to 50%, as part of wider governance restructuring

Plans have started for the evacuation of over half a million people and all boats are ordered to stay ashore as Vietnam braces for an intensifying Typhoon Kajiki

Plans to ban fossil-fuel motorcycles and mopeds in central Hanoi have been announced to reduce pollution; The move supports the shift to electric vehicles, led by local firm VinFast, but raises concerns over its social impact on low-income workers

The country is seeking to build up domestic supply chains upon pressure by the US, that urge Vietnam to reduce reliance on Chinese-made tech components in the devices assembled locally and exported to the US ahead of a 46% tariff deadline on 8 July