Southeast Asian consumers continue to snap up media tablets: GfK

Media tablets continue to be in strong demand across the Southeast Asia countries in 2014 as consumers bought over 3.6 million of the popular gadget in the first four months of 2014.

New search area announced for missing Malaysian jet

 Australia announced on Thursday a new search area for the missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370.

Hai Phong port: container handling fee in a mess

Hundreds of millions of dollars have been flowing back into the pockets of foreign ship owners since the port operators in the Hai Phong City area have been scrambling for clients by dramatically reducing container handling fees.

Farmers clear rubber plantations as “white gold” no longer glitters

 VietNamNet Bridge – Thousands of hectares of rubber trees in the eastern and central regions have been eliminated since the price of latex rubber, once described as “white gold”, has plummeted on the world market.

Marathoners to hit mountainous trails

 VietNamNet Bridge – The second Vietnam Mountain Marathon will kick off in September expecting to attract a large number of global participants.

Tourism sector enjoys high jump in year’s first half

 Vietnam welcomed more than 4.28 million foreign tourists in the first half of this year, a year-on-year hike of 21.11 percent, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism said on June 25.

Chinese newspaper misrepresents Vietnam - Russia relations

The Global Times recently had a commentary slandering Vietnam, which said that Vietnam wants to use Cam Ranh port as "bait" in exchange for Russia’s support against China in the East Sea territorial dispute.

Russian scientists discover two species of spotted toad in Vietnam

 VietNamNet Bridge - Russian scientists recently announced the discovery of two spotted toad species in Khanh Hoa and Lam Dong, in central Vietnam.

Two missile ships launched in Saigon, U.S. naval ship anchors in Nha Trang for maintenance

 VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam’s two most modern rocket-class versatile ships were introduced in HCM City on Wednesday. They will be handed over to the Navy to defend the country’s marine sovereignty.

Khoi leads U12 group in Asian chess championship

 FIDE master Nguyen Anh Khoi is leading in the U12 category at the Asian Youth Chess Championship which is ongoing in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Vietnamese photo and writing contest invites entries

All Vietnamese people and foreigners of all ages and occupations are invited to participate in a photo and writing contest about their feelings for Viet Nam's people and natural landscape.

Central region fights against drought

 VietNamNet Bridge – Currently, the central provinces face to water shortage because of heat waves accompanied with highest temperature during previous days.

Number of road accidents, fatalities decline in H1

The first half of the year saw fewer road accidents, with just around 12,800 cases compared to over 14,800 cases in the same period last year.

National Assembly's press release considered as statement on East Sea, says spokesman

 VietNamNet Bridge – The National Assembly’s spokesman said on Tuesday that the NA’s press release on May 21 can be considered as an official statement on the East Sea dispute.

China buys Vietnam’s rice in record amounts

 VietNamNet Bridge – Despite the escalating tensions in the East Sea, China is importing large quantities of Vietnamese rice. Opinions vary about China’s motivations in making the purchases.

EU pledges US$736 million in ODA for 2014

 The European Union (EU) has committed EUR542 million (US$736 million) in official development assistance to Vietnam this year, and the level of aid would also be maintained for the coming years.

Teachers in HCM City “unchained”

 VietNamNet Bridge – General school teachers in HCM City are now breathing a sigh of relief, as city authorities have given their consent to teachers giving private lessons without needing to obtain permission.

Vietnam's 'Successful Lady' winner prosecuted for swindling

 VietNamNet Bridge – People’s Supreme Procuracy decided to prosecute Truong Thi Tuyet Nga, winner of Vietnam’s Successful Lady Contest 2009, for alleged swindling.

Political News Headlines 26/6

 President hails Vietnam-Japan agriculture cooperation; Vietnam, Laos unveils La Lay border gate; Vietnam vows to enhance economic ties with Francophone states; Vietnam, Norway ink MoU on diplomacy cooperation

Dr. Doom tips Vietnam investments

 VietNamNet Bridge – Legendary global investor Dr. Marc Faber has recommended Vietnam as a solid investment as he believes the country offers attractive opportunities in the long run.

Vietnam Air denies waiting for privileged passenger

 VietNamNet Bridge – National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines (VNA) said on June 23 its flight on June 21 took off later than schedule due to technical problems and that the delay had nothing to do with a privileged passenger as rumored.

China fabricates false tale regarding attack

 At a press conference on June 24, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying concocted a false story to distract from China’s aggressive attack on a Vietnam fishing vessel and attempt to lay the blame on Vietnam.

Lee Hsien Loong: Might not right in handling sea disputes

 Prime Minister Lee Hsien Long has underlined the need to resolve territorial disputes in the East Sea in accordance with international law rather than the notion “might is right.”

Lawyers Association ready for legal action against China

 The Vietnam Lawyers’ Association has announced it will support the government in drawing up necessary legal documents to file a petition against China’s provocations in the East Sea.

Chinese vessels fiercely defend illegal rig

 Up to 123 Chinese vessels on June 25 aggressively approached Vietnamese law enforcement ships to prevent them from getting close to rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 that is illegally standing in Vietnam’s waters.