Vietnam marked the 80th anniversary of its declaration of independence from colonial rule on Tuesday with its largest military parade in decades, unprecedented nationwide cash payments, and the release of nearly 14,000 prisoners.
Tens of thousands filled the streets of Hanoi, many dressed in red and waving the national flag, in a powerful display of patriotism in the Communist-led state.
The parade featured Vietnam’s most advanced weaponry, from Russian-made Mi-171 helicopters and Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets to domestically manufactured drones. Thousands of Vietnamese troops marched alongside military contingents from China, Russia and other nations. At sea, the celebrations included demonstrations by Russian Kilo-class submarines and frigates.
“We are unwavering in our commitment to defend the independence, freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity of our Fatherland, down to every sacred inch of land,” Communist Party General Secretary To Lam declared in his opening speech.
The event was observed by national leaders and foreign dignitaries, including senior lawmakers from China and Russia, at Ba Dinh Square- the site where, on 2 September 1945, revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh proclaimed independence.
That address marked the birth of an independent Vietnam after nearly a century of French colonial domination and a short Japanese occupation during the Second World War. However, France refused to recognise the new state and fought a decade-long conflict that ended with its defeat in 1954.
The United States was represented at the parade by a member of its embassy, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement congratulating Vietnam, describing the country as “a vital partner in the Indo-Pacific region and a leader in addressing shared global challenges.”
Spectators expressed their excitement at the scale of the celebration. “I’m so glad, satisfied and deeply moved to finally witness the marching troops pass by,” said Hoang Thi Huyen, a 42-year-old Hanoi resident who camped out with her family for almost two days to secure a vantage point. “It was worth the wait. The troops and the fighter jets were amazing,” she added.
Roads in central Hanoi had been closed for three days to allow rehearsals and the parade itself.
As part of the commemorations, Vietnam announced last week that it would distribute 100,000 dong (£3.00) to each of its 100 million citizens — an unprecedented measure expected to cost as much as £300 million. President Luong Cuong also declared a large-scale amnesty for 13,920 prisoners, including 66 foreign nationals, who will be released before completing their sentences.
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U.S. has become a central outside power in the south caucasus, shaping diplomacy, security and energy flows. Its relations with Azerbaijan and Armenia have evolved from similar beginnings into two distinct partnerships that now define Washington’s role in the region.
Iran would retaliate by striking U.S. military bases across the Middle East if it comes under attack by American forces, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday (7 January), stressing that such action should not be seen as targeting the countries hosting those bases.
France and Canada opened new consulates in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, on Friday, stepping up their Arctic presence in a show of support for Denmark, a NATO ally, amid renewed demands by U.S. President Donald Trump to acquire the strategically located territory.
Winter weather has brought air travel in the German capital to a complete halt, stranding thousands of passengers as severe icing conditions make runways and aircraft unsafe for operation and force authorities to shut down one of Europe’s key transport hubs.
Storm Leonardo hit Spain and Portugal on Tuesday, forcing more than 11,000 people from their homes, as a man in Portugal died after his car was swept away by floodwaters and a second body was found in Malaga.
An attacker opened fire at the gates of a Shiite Muslim mosque in Islamabad on Friday before detonating a suicide bomb that killed at least 31 people in the deadliest assault of its kind in the capital in more than a decade.
Iran and the United States opened nuclear talks in Oman on Friday, with Tehran calling the meeting a good start and both sides agreeing to continue discussions after returning to their capitals for consultations.
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France and Canada opened new consulates in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, on Friday, stepping up their Arctic presence in a show of support for Denmark, a NATO ally, amid renewed demands by U.S. President Donald Trump to acquire the strategically located territory.
Russia launched a large-scale overnight attack on Ukraine’s energy system early on Saturday (7 January), hitting power generation and distribution facilities with more than 400 drones and around 40 missiles, Ukrainian officials have said.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 7th of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators have discussed an ambitious goal of reaching a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine by March, though the timeline is widely viewed as unrealistic due to deep disagreements over territory, according to multiple sources familiar with the talks.
At least 31 people have been killed and scores wounded in a suicide bombing at a mosque in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, during Friday prayers, prompting widespread international condemnation.
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