Ho Chi Minh City Development Blueprint: The Politburo issued Resolution 09-NQ/TW (May 19, 2026) to steer Ho Chi Minh City’s “new era” growth, aligning central agencies and local Party bodies behind clear priorities. North Korea Sanctions Debate: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung says sanctions on North Korea are “ineffective” as Russia ties deepen, and he told U.S. President Trump the pressure strategy isn’t working. Deportation Fallout: A Vietnamese man deported to South Sudan under the U.S. “third-country” scheme has been repatriated to Vietnam after more than a year in detention. HCMC Economy Update: Ho Chi Minh City collected over VND500 trillion in budget revenue in the first half of 2026, with tourism, industry, and foreign investment surging. AI and Industry Push: Vietnam targets at least 10 strategic tech firms worth $1 billion by 2030, while a Chinese Nvidia supplier plans a $700m Vietnam AI-related plant. Trade and Logistics: Maersk launched a new TPX trans-Pacific service via Cai Mep, linking Vietnam to the U.S. West Coast through Busan. Health Spotlight: FV Hospital was ranked among Asia-Pacific’s best specialized hospitals in multiple specialties by Newsweek and Statista. Public Safety: Police rescued hundreds of cats from Vietnam’s illicit cat-meat trade.