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.

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.

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

 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.

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

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.

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

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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

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

 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

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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.”

 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.

 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.

 VietNamNet Bridge – The Lo River, which runs across Tuyen Quang Province, has turned black over the last few years. It is now called the dead river as no living organism can survive in its waters.

June, when the summer rains cool the northwestern mountains, is the time for a new rice crop in the Northwestern region. It is also the time when terraced fields in Yen Bai Province have an exotic beauty.

Spyware has been around for years, if not decades. Software that secretly logs your spouse’s keystrokes, monitors employees’ activities at work, or plunders your contacts and accounts, sits quietly on millions of PCs around the world.  

 VietNamNet Bridge – Hai Quan (Customs) Online spoke with Viet Nam Fishery General Secretary Tran Cao Muu about the Government's latest draft decree on developing the fisheries sector.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Local hospitals and health centres at wards and communes in Ha Noi's suburban districts are struggling to acquire enough patients and doctors despite boasting well-built facilities, local media has reported.