President Ilham Aliyev meets Powerchina Group executive in Tianjin
On 2 September, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Xi Yinfen, Executive Vice President of the “Powerchina Group”, in th...
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.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
AnewZ has learned that India has once again blocked Azerbaijan’s application for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, while Pakistan’s recent decision to consider diplomatic relations with Armenia has been coordinated with Baku as part of Azerbaijan’s peace agenda.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
A Polish Air Force pilot was killed on Thursday when an F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training flight ahead of the 2025 Radom International Air Show.
The death toll from Afghanistan’s devastating earthquake has climbed to 1,124, with thousands more injured and widespread destruction reported across the affected areas.
French President Emmanuel Macron faces mounting political pressure as opposition parties, including the Unbowed France and National Rally, prepare moves that could topple Prime Minister Francois Bayrou’s government and even challenge Macron’s leadership.
Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, currently on an official visit to China, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday.
Rescuers in Afghanistan will try to reach isolated villages in the eastern region of Kunar, the epicentre of an earthquake that killed more than 800 people and injured more than 2,800, authorities told on Tuesday.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 2nd of September, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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