According to Healthline, walking is an effective way to target visceral fat, which accumulates around the abdomen and can be harmful to your health. A 2021 review found that walking was successful in reducing visceral fat when done three times a week for 30 to 60 minutes. By incorporating walking into your daily routine, you can reduce belly fat and enhance your overall health.

This is primarily due to walking’s ability to help your body burn calories, a crucial factor in losing belly fat. Physical activity requires energy, and walking increases your calorie expenditure. A 2021 study showed that walking burns about 107 calories per mile (1.6 kilometers), depending on factors like weight, gender, and pace. This calorie burn helps create a calorie deficit, which is essential for weight and belly fat loss.

In addition to burning calories, regular walking helps preserve lean muscle mass, which is essential for maintaining a healthy metabolic rate. Since muscle burns more calories than fat, keeping muscle mass helps your body continue to burn calories efficiently, even at rest, preventing the accumulation of fat. Walking helps prevent muscle loss, making it easier to keep belly fat off.

For optimal results, Harvard Medical School recommends engaging in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity most days of the week, such as brisk walking at a comfortable pace. According to Medical News Today, brisk walking involves maintaining a pace of up to 4.5 miles per hour.

It is also beneficial to find ways to incorporate more movement into your daily routine. For example, park further away from your destination, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or stand while talking on the phone to increase your physical activity.

Vietnam has declared a two-day national mourning period, from April 4 to 5, to honor Khamtay Siphandone, former President of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee. This decision reflects the deep and special relationship between Vietnam and Laos.

The announcement was jointly issued by the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, the National Assembly, the State President, the Government, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee. It emphasized the significance of Khamtay Siphandone’s contributions to Laos and to the friendship between the two nations.

During the mourning period, all government offices and public institutions across the country, as well as Vietnam’s representative bodies abroad, are required to fly the national flag at half-mast with mourning bands as prescribed. At the same time, all public entertainment and celebratory events will be suspended.

Khamtay Siphandone was born on February 8, 1924, and passed away at 10:30 a.m. on April 2, 2025. He served in various top leadership roles in Laos, including President, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of National Defense.

As a pioneering leader of the Lao revolutionary movement, he played a vital role in the ultimate victory of the Lao revolution and in guiding the country on the path to socialism. He was widely recognized for his dedication, strategic vision, and long-standing service to his country.

Khamtay Siphandone was also a close and trusted friend of Vietnam. He made significant contributions to strengthening and developing the two countries’ great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation.

His passing is regarded as an immense loss for Laos and for the Vietnam–Laos relationship. Vietnam’s national mourning is a solemn tribute to a man whose legacy will continue to be remembered and honored by both nations.

Japan could face economic losses of up to US$1.81 trillion and nearly 300,000 fatalities if a long-feared megaquake strikes off its Pacific coast, according to a new government report released Monday.

The projected cost—270.3 trillion yen, or about half of Japan’s GDP—represents a sharp increase from the previous estimate of 214.2 trillion yen. The updated figure accounts for inflation, new terrain and ground data, and expanded tsunami flood zones, as revealed by the Cabinet Office.

Key details from the report:
Expected magnitude: 8 to 9, centered in the Nankai Trough—a seismically active zone off southwest Japan’s Pacific coast, about 900 km long.

Fatalities: Up to 298,000, especially if the quake hits at night during winter, increasing vulnerability.

Evacuations: An estimated 1.23 million people could be displaced—roughly 10% of Japan’s population.

Damage: Thousands of buildings could collapse, and massive tsunamis are expected to follow.

Why this is such a serious risk:
Japan lies on the Ring of Fire, one of the most seismically active areas in the world. The Nankai Trough is a known hotspot where the Philippine Sea Plate is subducting beneath the Eurasian Plate, building up strain that historically leads to megaquakes every 100 to 150 years.

In fact, the government estimates an 80% chance that such a quake will strike the Nankai Trough region within the next few decades.

Japan even issued its first-ever megaquake advisory last year after a magnitude-7.1 tremor struck near the trough's edge—raising concern that it could be a foreshock for something bigger.

The memory of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake still looms large. That magnitude-9.0 quake caused a tsunami, over 15,000 deaths, and led to the Fukushima nuclear disaster—a tragedy Japan is determined not to repeat.

The new report highlights not only the human toll such a disaster could take, but also the economic devastation, reinforcing the urgent need for preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and community-level disaster planning.

Want a quick breakdown of what this might mean for Japan’s future disaster policy or global economic ripple effects?

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced Wednesday that the names Beryl, Helene, Milton, and John will be permanently retired from future use in naming tropical storms due to the severe destruction and loss of life they caused. These storms were among the deadliest in recent memory: Beryl, Helene, and Milton in the Atlantic, and John in the eastern Pacific.

To replace them, the WMO has added Brianna, Holly, and Miguel to the Atlantic storm name list, and Jake to the eastern Pacific list. These names, like all on the WMO’s storm rosters, are selected for being short, clear, and easy to pronounce, rotating every six years and alternating between male and female.

Storm names are retired when the hurricanes or cyclones they’re attached to are so devastating that reusing the names in future seasons would be insensitive or confusing. For example, in 2024:

Hurricane Beryl became the earliest-ever Category 5 storm in the Atlantic, severely impacting the Caribbean.

Helene and Milton caused catastrophic destruction in the U.S.

John unleashed deadly flooding across Guerrero, Mexico.

Experts warn that climate change is intensifying these storms. Tropical cyclones, which include hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons, draw energy from warm ocean waters and moisture in the air. As sea surface temperatures rise, so does the intensity and frequency of powerful storms.

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season marked the ninth year in a row with above-average activity. There were 18 named storms, of which five became major hurricanes—reaching Category 3 or higher with winds over 178 km/h (111 mph), according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The WMO continues to emphasize that the proportion of severe storms (Categories 4–5) is likely to rise globally with ongoing global warming, making storm preparedness and clear communication more important than ever.

Nearly a week after a powerful earthquake struck central Myanmar, the official death toll has climbed to 3,145, the country’s military-led government reported Thursday. Search and rescue teams continue to uncover more victims, while humanitarian organizations race to deliver vital medical care and shelter to the survivors.

At a government briefing in Naypyitaw, Information Minister Maung Maung Ohn said that 4,589 people have been injured and 221 remain missing, according to a report by state-run broadcaster MRTV.

The earthquake, measured at magnitude 7.7, struck on March 28 with its epicenter located near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. The seismic event caused widespread destruction—collapsi ng thousands of buildings, cracking roads, and destroying bridges across multiple regions.

Although the official numbers are already grim, independent reports from local media suggest the actual casualty count could be much higher. With communication networks severely disrupted and many remote areas still inaccessible, officials fear the true scale of the disaster has yet to emerge.

UN Warns of Massive Humanitarian Impact
According to a Thursday report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the quake and its aftershocks have affected over 17 million people across 57 townships—more than 9 million of them severely impacted.

“The coming days will be critical in determining the full scale of the disaster’s impact and the response required to meet the needs of millions affected,” the U.N. stated.

In response to the worsening crisis, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres announced that U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher and special envoy Julie Bishop will arrive in Myanmar on Friday. Guterres made an urgent appeal for increased international aid and unhindered humanitarian access to reach those in need.

“The earthquake has supercharged the suffering, with the monsoon season just around the corner,” Guterres warned.

Healthcare System in Crisis
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that four hospitals and one health center have been completely destroyed, while an additional 32 hospitals and 18 health centers sustained partial damage.

With infrastructure crumbling and a surge in patient numbers, access to essential healthcare has become nearly impossible in the worst-hit regions. The U.N. warns that thousands are in urgent need of trauma care, surgery, and treatment for potential disease outbreaks.

To support local efforts, India has deployed a mobile hospital, and a joint Russian-Belarusian medical unit is now operating in Mandalay.

Relief and Recovery Underway
With many homes destroyed or unsafe due to aftershocks, large numbers of people are sleeping outdoors. In Naypyitaw, workers have been erecting large tents in open areas under scorching temperatures of up to 40°C (104°F) to provide temporary shelter.

In Mandalay, scenes of compassion were visible as locals handed out watermelon slices to exhausted Chinese volunteers working under the punishing sun.

According to a statement from the military, more than 1,550 international rescuers are now on the ground, operating alongside local teams. Seventeen countries have sent relief supplies and rescue equipment to aid the recovery efforts.

Earthquake Damage Spills Across Borders
The quake’s impact wasn’t limited to Myanmar. In Bangkok, Thailand, the tremor toppled a high-rise under construction, killing 22 people and injuring 35 others. As of Thursday, search crews continued scouring the rubble after sensors detected a possible sound from beneath the debris—but no survivors had been found by day's end.

Elon Musk Signals Starlink’s Vietnam Ambitions by Reposting Announcement Without Comment

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has drawn attention to his satellite internet company’s plans in Vietnam after quietly resharing a post on X (formerly Twitter) about the upcoming rollout of Starlink services in the country. While Musk offered no accompanying commentary, his repost has sparked renewed interest in SpaceX’s efforts to expand its global internet footprint into Southeast Asia.

The original post was made on Thursday by blockchain entrepreneur Mario Nawfal, who cited a Reuters report stating that SpaceX intends to deploy 10 to 15 Starlink ground stations in Vietnam, with the first to be established in Da Nang. Nawfal expressed excitement over what he described as a pivotal development for the region:

"SpaceX is sparking a real-deal shift and planting Vietnam on the satellite map!"

According to Reuters, citing sources familiar with the matter, Vietnamese authorities have granted initial approval for a trial phase, setting the stage for the launch of Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet services in the country. Groundwork for the first station, which will reportedly cost around US$3 million, is already underway.

Infrastructure Plans and Regulatory Framework
If all planned stations are successfully constructed, Vietnam could become one of the most infrastructure-rich countries in Asia for Starlink, potentially becoming a regional hub for satellite internet coverage.

To meet government requirements, SpaceX is building the ground stations in line with Vietnamese regulatory standards. This includes setting up a local legal entity and constructing a gateway station that connects satellite-generated traffic to the national telecommunications network.

At a recent meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung, Nguyen Thanh Chung, head of the Authority of Telecommunications, confirmed the ongoing collaboration between SpaceX and Vietnamese agencies.

"They are preparing the necessary documents and equipment to bring to Vietnam," Chung said, noting that the process is expected to be finalized before the end of the year.

The Vietnamese government has authorized a trial phase that runs through January 1, 2031, allowing up to 600,000 subscribers during that time. This phase is subject to strict compliance with national security and cybersecurity standards, including the following:

All satellite internet traffic must pass through the Vietnam-based gateway.

User data must be stored domestically.

Service providers must take measures to prevent the spread of malware and harmful online content.

Commercial Viability and Market Challenges
Despite the growing excitement, Starlink faces notable challenges in Vietnam’s internet market. The country already has widespread broadband coverage and relatively low-cost internet access, meaning Starlink’s premium-priced services may not be widely adopted in urban areas. Analysts believe the company may need to offer additional or tailored services to compete effectively.

Still, in remote or mountainous areas, where connectivity remains limited, Starlink could fill key infrastructure gaps. Moreover, the presence of advanced satellite infrastructure might serve broader strategic or defense-related purposes, helping Vietnam bolster its digital capabilities.

Looking Ahead
Starlink's expansion into Vietnam marks a significant step for both SpaceX and the region’s digital ecosystem. With its infrastructure plans now public and early groundwork being laid, all eyes will be on how quickly and effectively the service rolls out.

Musk’s silent endorsement via repost suggests he’s paying close attention to the project’s development—and may have bigger plans for the region in the years to come.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday proposed a 10% tariff on an island with no people and lots of penguins, sparking a flurry of memes that have been going viral on the Internet.

One widely shared image on Thursday showed a penguin in place of Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office during his recent row with the U.S. president and Vice President JD Vance.

Another meme showed U.S. First Lady Melania Trump gazing up at an emperor penguin -- in place of former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau -- while Trump looks askance.

Trump's announcement of worldwide tariffs certainly received an icy reception in many countries.

But there has also been bafflement about why some of the most remote parts of the world have been targeted.

A case in point: why would Trump slap 10% tariffs on all exports from the Heard and McDonald Islands, a barren sub-Antarctic Australian territory without a human population, but four different species of penguin?

"The penguins have been ripping us off for years," Anthony Scaramucci, who was Trump's former communications chief for 11 days in his first term and is now a vocal critic, joked on X.

"Donald Trump slapped tariffs on penguins and not on Putin," posted U.S. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, referring to the fact that Russia was not on the U.S. tariff list.


A group of penguins. Illustration photo by Pexels

The White House said sanctions on Russia over President Vladimir Putin's war only meant that there was no "meaningful" trade on which to impose tariffs.

Trump also caused puzzlement with his 29% tariff on Norfolk Island, a tiny Australian territory in the Pacific with a population of a little over 2,000 humans.

"I'm not quite sure that Norfolk Island, with respect to it, is a trade competitor with the giant economy of the United States," Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

Britain's remote Falkland Islands -- home to one million penguins, and most famous for a 1982 war fought by Britain to repel Argentinian invaders -- was hit by 41% exports even though the U.K. only faces 10%.

Trump's tariffs have however been no laughing matter for global markets, with U.S. stocks suffering their worst day since the Covid pandemic in 2020.
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U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping new tariffs have sparked outrage across the globe, from China and the EU to India, Canada and beyond.



Here's how the world's biggest economies are responding, from threats of countermeasures to warnings of a global trade war.

China

Beijing said it "firmly opposes" the new tariffs on its exports, and vowed "countermeasures to safeguard its own rights and interests."

Trump unveiled particularly stinging tariffs of 34% on China, one of its largest trading partners, while a 10% base tariff on all countries also applies. That comes on top of a 20% rate imposed last month.

The tariffs "do not comply with international trade rules," China's Commerce Ministry said.

It urged Washington to "immediately cancel" them, warning they "endanger global economic development."

European Union

The tariffs are a "major blow to the world economy," warned EU chief Ursula von der Leyen.

"There seems to be no order in the disorder. No clear path through the complexity and chaos that is being created as all U.S. trading partners are hit," she said.

After the 20% tariffs on EU exports to the United States, she said Brussels was "preparing for further countermeasures" but added it was "not too late to address concerns through negotiations."

Germany

The German Automotive Industry Association said the tariffs would "only create losers" and urged the EU to act "with necessary force, while continuing to signal its willingness to negotiate."

The German chemical industry, which counts the United States as its largest export market, urged the EU to "keep a cool head," stressing "an escalation would only worsen the damage."

Japan

Trade minister Yoji Muto said the 24% tariffs on Japanese exports to the United States were "extremely regrettable, and I have again strongly urged (Washington) not to apply them to Japan."

Japan's chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters the tariffs may contravene World Trade Organization rules and the pair's trade treaty.

India

Ajay Sahai, chief executive of the Federation of Indian Export Organizations, told AFP the tariffs will "hurt demand" for its exports.

"The tariffs slapped on India are definitely both high and higher than expected," he said.

But he said competitor nations like China and Vietnam had been hit harder, which opened up space for India to gain a market share.

U.K.

The U.K. will "remain calm, and committed" to sealing a trade deal with the United States which could help "mitigate" a 10% percent tariff imposed on British exports to the United States, business minister Jonathan Reynolds said.

However, "we have a range of tools at our disposal and we will not hesitate to act," he added.

France

President Emmanuel Macron will meet representatives of French sectors "impacted by the tariff measures," his office said.

Italy

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized the new U.S. tariffs on imports from the EU and urged a deal, warning a trade war would "inevitably weaken the West."

"The introduction by the U.S. of tariffs towards the EU is a measure that I consider wrong and that does not suit either party," she said.

Canada

Prime Minister Mark Carney warned the tariffs will "fundamentally change the global trading system."

"We are going to fight these tariffs with countermeasures. We are going to protect our workers," he said.

Brazil

Brazil's Congress approved a so-called "Economic Reciprocity Law" allowing the executive to respond to the 10% tariffs on exports from Latin America's biggest economy, which is the second-largest exporter of steel to the United States after Canada.

South Korea

"A global tariff war has become a reality," said acting president Han Duck-soo following Trump's 25% tariffs on imports from South Korea.

Han convened an emergency task force and vowed to mobilize "all government resources" to overcome the "trade crisis," urging ministers to minimize the damage through aggressive negotiations with Washington.

Australia

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the new tariffs were "not the act of a friend" and would hurt the close allies' relationship.

"These tariffs are not unexpected, but let me be clear: they are totally unwarranted," he said.

Switzerland

After Switzerland was hit with 31% tariffs, President Karin Keller-Sutter said the government would quickly decide on the next steps.

"The country's long-term economic interests are the priority. Respect for international law and free trade are fundamental," she said.

Poland

"Friendship means partnership. Partnership means really and truly reciprocal tariffs," said Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
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Vietnam has declared a two-day national mourning period from April 4 to 5 to honor the memory of Khamtay Siphandone, former President of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee, in recognition of the two countries' special relationship.

The national mourning announcement was released by the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, the National Assembly, the State President, the Government, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee.

During this time, government offices and public institutions nationwide, along with Vietnam's representative bodies abroad, will fly flags at half-mast with mourning bands as prescribed. Public entertainment and celebratory events will be suspended.


Former President of Laos, Khamtay Siphandone. Photo by VNA

Born on Feb. 8, 1924, Khamtay Siphandone, who also served as Lao State President, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of National Defense, passed away at 10:30 a.m. on April 2.

A pioneering leader in the Lao revolutionary movement, he played a crucial role in securing the ultimate victory of the Lao revolution and guiding the country toward socialism. He was a close and trusted friend of Vietnam who made significant contributions to strengthening and developing the two countries' great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation.

His passing is an immense loss for Laos and the Vietnam – Laos relationship, according to the announcement.
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Vietnam needs proactive diplomacy and strategic import policy changes to navigate a 46% tariff on its exports to the U.S., says trade expert.


Vietnam’s key export sectors, including seafood, face mounting challenges following the U.S. tariff hike. Photo: Hoang Ha

In response to the U.S. government’s recent imposition of a 46% retaliatory tariff on Vietnamese exports, economic expert Dr. Le Quoc Phuong believes the Vietnamese government should push for further negotiations and show goodwill by reducing import tariffs on American goods to help balance bilateral trade.

‘We acted swiftly - but the U.S. acted even faster’

In an interview with VietNamNet, Dr. Le Quoc Phuong, former Deputy Director of the Center for Industry and Trade Information under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, shared his insights on the new U.S. tariff measures.

“The Trump 2.0 administration made it clear even before taking office that import tariffs would be a key policy weapon. True to form, President Donald Trump moved quickly after inauguration, issuing sweeping tariff hikes on goods from various countries,” Phuong explained.

The April 3 announcement marks the most aggressive move yet, applying new tariffs across all U.S. imports.

Vietnam is among the most affected, as the U.S. is its largest export market. In 2024, Vietnam exported nearly USD 120 billion worth of goods to the U.S., accounting for 29.5% of total export turnover. Meanwhile, imports from the U.S. remain relatively low, creating a large trade surplus. In that context, the U.S. decision was foreseeable - but the 46% rate still came as a shock.

Phuong noted that the Vietnamese government had been proactive. In mid-March, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien visited the U.S. as the Prime Minister’s special envoy, offering numerous commitments to boost American imports. Major Vietnamese conglomerates signed business agreements with U.S. firms totaling over USD 90.3 billion, scheduled for implementation starting in 2025.

On March 31, the Vietnamese government issued Decree No. 73 reducing import tariffs on several items, including U.S. goods like wood products, chicken, apples, cherries, LNG, ethanol, soybeans, and more.

On April 1, the Ministry of Industry and Trade formed a Drafting Committee to develop new regulations on Vietnam’s strategic trade control. A draft decree was published the same day to solicit feedback.

“These steps show the government’s urgency and resolve. But the U.S. acted faster,” Phuong remarked.

Most affected industries

The hardest-hit sectors will be those with the largest export volumes to the U.S. - electronics, phones, computers, and components, which are dominated by foreign direct investment (FDI) companies. Others include seafood, furniture, textiles, footwear, and agricultural products, all of which heavily rely on the U.S. market.

What Vietnam can do

Phuong stressed that Vietnam is not in a position to retaliate as aggressively as the EU, China, or Canada due to its smaller economy and deep dependence on the U.S. market.

“Negotiation is essential,” he said. “We should also consider further lowering import duties on U.S. goods - quickly. Since Vietnamese and American products are more complementary than competitive, the impact on domestic production would be minimal.”

Phuong argued that import tariff reductions, though costly in the short term, are a worthwhile sacrifice to reduce trade tensions. Supporting policies for affected Vietnamese businesses will also be key.

Survival strategies for Vietnamese businesses

Phuong emphasized that despite global instability, the U.S. remains an irreplaceable market for Vietnamese exporters. However, businesses now need to renegotiate with American partners so that both sides share the tax burden.

“If buyers stop importing, they’ll face production delays. But if they import without raising prices, Vietnamese suppliers can’t absorb the costs. The only solution is to sit down and negotiate mutually acceptable terms.”

Enterprises must accept that profit margins will shrink. In the meantime, they should streamline operations, cut costs, and conserve raw materials to stay afloat.

“I believe the U.S. is also watching how Vietnam responds. If we show good faith by reducing tariffs and increasing imports, Washington may lower the tariff in the future. The real question is: how far can we go?”


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The recently announced U.S. tariff hikes are poised to deliver a major economic blow to several Asian nations, many of which depend heavily on exports to the American market. Experts warn that these trade barriers could shrink national GDPs, disrupt supply chains, and push countries into rethinking their global economic strategies.

China
As the world’s second-largest economy, China is set to face a dramatic increase in trade friction with the United States. The newly implemented tariffs will soon push China’s overall tariff exposure to 54%, following an earlier 20% tariff announcement earlier this year.

When accounting for all contributing factors and categories, the average tariff on Chinese exports to the U.S. is expected to reach around 76%, according to Chad Brown, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics and former State Department chief economist during the final year of the Biden administration.

This sharp rise in trade barriers is estimated to cause a 0.27% contraction in China’s GDP, translating to a staggering $53 billion in economic losses, according to calculations by Professor Niven Winchester of Auckland University of Technology.

Experts like Ruby Osman from the Tony Blair Institute point out that while these tariffs will hurt Chinese firms, it is Trump’s broader trade policy across Asia that could pose the greatest long-term challenges.

In response to the tariffs, China’s Commerce Ministry issued a strongly worded statement urging the U.S. to reverse the decision and threatening reciprocal measures. The ministry emphasized that the move undermines years of balanced trade negotiations and ignores the significant benefits the U.S. has historically gained from free international trade.

Jens Eskelund, president of the EU Chamber of Commerce in China, observed that many multinational companies have already adapted their supply chains to navigate ongoing U.S.-China tensions. However, further restructuring in light of these tariffs would not be feasible in the short term.

While China may pivot to alternative markets to make up for lost U.S. demand, experts agree that no other country can rival the scale and purchasing power of the American consumer market, where Chinese firms have typically exported over $400 billion in goods annually.

Still, William Hurst, a professor at the University of Cambridge, downplayed the long-term effects, noting that U.S. exports now make up a smaller slice of China’s total trade. He added that the current situation might encourage China to deepen its trade relations with Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

Vietnam
Vietnam is expected to take a heavier hit than China, with an estimated 46% tariff rate on exports to the U.S. This steep increase could inflict economic damage of nearly 1% of GDP, roughly $5 billion in losses. On a personal level, it equates to a loss of around $196 per household.

The United States imposed this level of tariff on Vietnam partly due to its growing trade imbalance with the country. In 2024, the U.S. trade deficit with Vietnam topped $123 billion, according to figures cited by the White House.

In response, Vietnamese officials called the tariffs “unfair,” pointing out that the average tariff rate Vietnam imposes on American imports is just 9.4%—far lower than what it now faces from the U.S.

Singapore
Despite being hit with a relatively low 10% baseline tariff, Singapore’s economy is expected to feel a disproportionate impact due to its unique status as a regional financial and export hub.

Singapore’s Trade Minister Gan Kim Yong expressed disappointment over the tariffs, especially given that Singapore holds a free trade agreement with the United States and actually runs a trade deficit with the U.S. In 2024, the U.S. enjoyed a $2.8 billion trade surplus with Singapore—a massive 85% jump from the year before.

Gan noted that the government is now reassessing its economic forecasts in light of the new trade environment. He expressed hope that diplomatic dialogue could resolve the situation, though he acknowledged that negotiations would be challenging without specific U.S. concerns to address.

Economists remain cautious about the scope of future tariffs, with analysts like Chua Hak Bin of Maybank warning that exemptions for key sectors like pharmaceuticals and semiconductors may not last. These industries are critical to Singapore’s manufacturing and export economy, and could be targeted later this year.

Trade policy expert Deborah Elms also raised concerns about the indirect effects of the tariffs, noting that Chinese firms pushed out of the U.S. market might flood other countries with low-cost goods, potentially igniting new waves of protectionism or retaliatory tariffs.

Other ASEAN Countries
Across the broader Southeast Asian region, the situation is similarly grim. According to DBS Bank economist Philip Wee, many emerging economies are being hit with reciprocal tariffs at alarmingly high rates.

Cambodia, which already struggles with high poverty rates (17.8% of the population lives below the poverty line), faces the steepest tariff rate in the region at 49%.

Laos follows closely with a 48% tariff, despite an 18.3% poverty rate and significant reliance on export-led growth.

Myanmar, grappling with the aftermath of a recent earthquake and years of civil conflict, is now burdened with 44% tariffs.

Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia, faces a 32% rate.

Thailand, the second-largest, will now contend with a 36% rate.

Economists from OCBC, including Selina Ling and regional experts Lavanya Venkateswaran, Ahmad A. Enver, and Jonathan Ng, warn that this may only be the beginning of a broader trade war. They expect that further negotiations, retaliatory measures, and policy escalations are likely in the months ahead.

Princeton's US grants frozen, follows Trump actions against other schools


A woman walks by Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs is seen in Princeton, New Jersey, Nov. 20, 2015. Photo by Reuters

Princeton University said on Tuesday the U.S. government froze several dozen research grants to the school, which became the latest academic institution targeted by the Trump administration in a crackdown on what it calls antisemitism on campuses.

Princeton President Chris Eisgruber said government agencies including NASA and the defense and energy departments notified the university of the move. The university said in a statement it was given no reason for the action and it did not provide a dollar value for the grants.

The Trump administration has threatened to slash federal funding for universities over their alleged tolerance of antisemitism and over accusations of failure to protect Jewish students during pro-Palestinian protests.

"We are committed to fighting antisemitism and all forms of discrimination, and we will cooperate with the government in combating antisemitism. Princeton will also vigorously defend academic freedom and the due process rights of this university," Eisgruber said in the statement.

A Department of Energy spokesperson said the agency "paused grant funding to Princeton University pending the completion of the Department of Education's investigation into Princeton regarding antisemitic harassment." The Education Department, last month, sent a letter to 60 universities, including Princeton, warning it could bring enforcement actions against them.

The other federal agencies had no immediate comment.

Protesters, including some Jewish groups, say President Donald Trump's administration wrongly conflates their criticism of Israel's military campaign in Gaza and advocacy for Palestinian rights with antisemitism and support for Hamas militants.

The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered in October 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel's subsequent military assault on Hamas-governed Gaza has killed over 50,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, while also triggering accusations of genocide and war crimes that Israel denies. The assault has internally displaced nearly Gaza's entire 2.3 million population and caused a hunger crisis.

The Trump administration is also reviewing $9 billion in federal contracts and grants awarded to Harvard University.

Last month, it canceled $400 million in federal funding for Columbia University, which had been the epicenter of pro-Palestinian campus protests.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have detained some foreign student protesters in recent weeks and are working to deport them.

The Trump administration has also targeted schools over other culture war issues like diversity, equity and inclusion programs and suspended $175 million in funding to the University of Pennsylvania over transgender sports policies.

Rights advocates have also raised concerns about Islamophobia and anti-Arab bias. The Trump administration has not announced steps in response.

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Chinese EV maker Xiaomi said it would cooperate with a police investigation into a fatal crash involving one of its cars which had been in autonomous mode just before the accident.

Three college students died on Saturday night after their Xiaomi SU7 hit a concrete barrier on a section of the Dezhou-Shangrao Expressway in eastern Anhui province.

Before the crash, the vehicle was in Xiaomi's Navigate On Autopilot (NAO) assisted driving mode, traveling at 116 kilometers per hour (72 miles per hour), according to a company statement posted online.

While travelling on a highway section with roadworks, the vehicle detected an obstacle ahead, issued a warning, and handed control to the driver, Xiaomi said.

But seconds later, the vehicle hit a barrier at around 97 km/h.

Footage posted online showed a car in flames on the highway and later the burned-out wreckage.

Xiaomi founder Lei Jun said in a social media post late Tuesday that he was "heavy-hearted" and that his company would "continue to cooperate with the police investigation."

Since the crash, many online have questioned Xiaomi's assisted driving functions, why the car caught fire, and whether the doors could be opened in an emergency.

On the X-like Weibo, an account identified by the platform and local media as the driver's mother accused Xiaomi of failing to contact her and "not taking the lives of three kids seriously."

"As family members, we have many questions. Why did the vehicle catch fire after hitting the barrier?... We just want an explanation," the woman wrote.


A red button in a Xiaomi car that is supposed to enabled emergency door opening. Photo courtesy of Xiaomi

Xiaomi, a consumer electronics giant selling goods from smartphones to vacuum cleaners, launched the SU7 in March 2024 as it entered the auto sector.

It sold more than 200,000 units in its first year, with the standard model priced at around 210,000 yuan ($28,900).

The company's share price has fallen around 5% since the accident.

China's EV companies are world leaders in assisted driving technology. Xiaomi says cars using its intelligent driving system can overtake and change lanes on the highway, though it cautions that it is not a replacement for drivers.

Xiaomi said it had sent a team to investigate the crash and tried to contact the victims' families through local authorities.
VietBF@ Sưu tập

Lawyer reveals three major financial sources - including frozen accounts and seized assets - available for restitution in SCB bond scandal.


Defendant Truong My Lan. Photo: Nguyen Hue

In addition to her criminal sentence, Truong My Lan has been ordered to repay more than 30.092 trillion VND (approximately $1.22 billion USD) to victims and related parties, according to the first-instance verdict in the SCB bond fraud case (phase two). The question many are asking is: Where will this massive sum come from?

At the ongoing appeals trial in Ho Chi Minh City, lawyer Giang Hong Thanh - defending Truong My Lan - shared insights with VietNamNet about the financial sources currently available for restitution.

Over 24 trillion VND already secured

According to Official Letter No. 1948/CTHADS-NV2, issued by the Ho Chi Minh City Civil Judgment Enforcement Department on March 24, 2025, there are three primary sources of money identified:

Over 8.659 trillion VND already sits in enforcement accounts or frozen bank accounts.

More than 15.383 trillion VND is owed to Truong My Lan by various individuals and organizations.

In total, more than 24.043 trillion VND in liquid and receivable assets have been tracked so far.

Additional assets worth over 10 trillion VND

The court also ordered the seizure of various shares and real estate assets belonging to Truong My Lan, valued at over 10 trillion VND, to ensure compliance with the verdict.

Another significant source is the 15.712 trillion VND associated with the An Dong bond issuance, which has been partially disbursed to six financial institutions. If fully recovered under Articles 106 (Criminal Procedure Code) and 47 (Penal Code), this amount could significantly accelerate compensation to victims.

Lawyer Giang Hong Thanh estimates that these three sources combined may exceed 50 trillion VND (over $2 billion USD), enough to cover all restitution claims if properly recovered.

Lan challenges court findings but vows to repay

At the appeals hearing, Truong My Lan reaffirmed her disagreement with the life sentence issued by the lower court. She maintained that she had no intent to defraud and pledged to repay all legitimate bondholders.

Lan specifically objected to the claim that she used deceptive tactics to issue 25 bond codes through four VTP Group subsidiaries: An Dong, Sunny World, Quang Thuan, and Setra. She insisted that 1.612 trillion VND related to bonds issued by SHB Bank should be excluded, claiming that SHB, not she, was responsible for that amount.

While the court holds her liable for over 30 trillion VND, Lan contends that her responsibility lies with about 28 trillion VND. Additionally, she noted that while 25,000 bondholders have requested repayment, over 10,000 have not, and asked the court to clarify this discrepancy.

Lan has requested the court and prosecutors mandate other individuals and organizations that benefited from the fraudulent bonds to cooperate in repaying affected citizens.
VietBF@ Sưu tập

Mica David Bass, 58, was wanted by U.S. authorities for murder. He fled to Vietnam and was captured just a day later by the police.



On March 28, the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security announced that it had coordinated with relevant units to hand over Mica David Bass to the U.S. for further legal action.

Previously, on March 19, the Immigration Department received information that Mica David Bass had entered Vietnam. The suspect was a dangerous criminal being pursued by U.S. law enforcement for murder.

The Immigration Department immediately assigned its officers to investigate and locate the suspect. Thousands of incoming passengers were reviewed through surveillance cameras, and they eventually discovered that the suspect had moved into the city center. Meanwhile, another team identified a potential hotel address in Hoan Kiem District where the suspect might be staying.

At 11:45 p.m. on the same day, officers saw a man resembling Mica David Bass dining at a restaurant in central Hoan Kiem District. He later moved to a hotel in Hang Bac Ward. The officers secretly monitored his movements throughout the night, waiting for the right moment to arrest him. "The police couldn’t make an immediate arrest because the area was crowded, with many foreign tourists. Additionally, the suspect was very dangerous, having committed criminal offenses, used illegal weapons, and had a history of resistance," an official from the Immigration Department said.

On the morning of March 20, the police noticed the suspect preparing to leave and formulated a plan to apprehend him. Around 10 a.m., the operation team from the Immigration Department, along with other units, successfully arrested the suspect at the hotel.


VietBF@ Sưu tập

A suspect with a history of criminal offenses was detained after holding a nine-year-old girl hostage on a rooftop in Bac Ninh Province.

On March 27, Tran Trung Kien, Chairman of the Phuong Mao Ward People's Committee (Que Vo Town, Bac Ninh Province), informed VietNamNet reporters that around 4 a.m., a young man suspected of being under the influence of drugs entered a local house and took a young girl hostage with a knife.

The victim, born in 2016, is the daughter of a family running a roadside bakery on Highway 18. The family had opened the door early in the morning when the suspect entered and sat inside. After moving to the second floor and finding the child asleep, the suspect took her to the roof of an adjacent one-story building.

The family immediately reported the incident to local authorities, and by 8 a.m., the suspect had been subdued.

"The Bac Ninh Provincial Police and local authorities successfully restrained the suspect and rescued the girl. The victim was in a state of shock and was taken to the hospital for a health check-up," said Chairman Kien.

Dramatic rescue of 9-year-old girl held hostage with a knife


The suspect, Phan Van Tuan, being restrained by the authorities.

Colonel Pham Van Ngu, Head of the Criminal Police Division of Bac Ninh Provincial Police, revealed that the suspect, later identified as Phan Van Tuan (born May 6, 1983, in Hai Phong), had three prior criminal convictions. Tuan was confirmed to have been under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident.

According to Colonel Ngu, Tuan entered the house at around 4 a.m. and used two knives to take the girl, identified as Tran Thi T., hostage on the second floor. Tuan demanded money and a motorbike to escape. The Criminal Police Division reported the situation to the provincial police chief, who personally arrived at the scene to oversee the rescue.

After four hours of negotiation and distraction, officers offered the suspect money and a motorbike to encourage him to move from the second floor. As he descended with the girl - still holding a knife to her neck - officers maintained communication to divert his attention. When Tuan briefly moved the knife away from the girl’s neck while approaching the vehicle, officers seized the opportunity to subdue him and free the hostage.

Suspect’s criminal history and related incidents

Preliminary investigations revealed that Tuan had a criminal record, including two convictions for unlawful detention and one for illegal drug possession.

The previous night, at around 11 p.m. on March 26, Tuan had caused a disturbance at Co Thanh Ward Health Station in Chi Linh City, Hai Duong Province, while wielding two knives. He threatened medical staff and then forced a passerby to give him a ride to Bac Ninh. When they reached Viet Hung Ward, Que Vo District, the victim spotted a police patrol and drove toward them, yelling for help. Tuan abandoned the motorbike and fled to a nearby eatery, where he stole another motorbike from a customer and continued his escape.

Eventually, Tuan reached the house of Tran Thanh Hai in Phuong Mao Ward, where he took the young girl hostage, leading to the dramatic morning standoff.

The case is currently under investigation.
VietBF@ Sưu tập

The mother who raised her cerebral palsy child to become a Harvard talent is an inspiring figure whose story touches the hearts of everyone who hears it. It is a testament to the extraordinary power of a mother’s love.



We are fortunate to have children who are intelligent, healthy, and whole. Let us treat this as a privilege that not everyone is blessed with. Therefore, despite the challenges in life, we must push forward to raise our children to succeed and have a bright future. Certainly, the pressures of life can exhaust and discourage us. When you feel you’ve lost motivation and patience with your child, think of Nguyen Thi Mai, a mother from Vietnam who raised her cerebral palsy son to become a Harvard talent.

Mai gave birth to a son, whom she named Minh Khoa. Immediately after birth, doctors informed the family that the child had severe cerebral palsy and would likely grow up mentally disabled, possibly bedridden. While the father turned away, Mai did not give up. She worked tirelessly to provide for and raise her son, never losing hope that Minh Khoa could develop normally like any other child.

The incredible love of a mother turned what seemed impossible into reality. From a child with a brain disorder, Mai raised Minh Khoa into a talented student with impressive academic achievements:

In 2007, Minh Khoa passed the entrance exam to the Vietnam National University with a score of 660.

In 2011, Minh Khoa became a student at the Graduate School of International Law at Vietnam National University.

In 2016, Minh Khoa became a student at Harvard Law School.

People still wonder what secret Nguyen Thi Mai had to raise a cerebral palsy child into a talented student. In fact, her success came from a simple but profound approach to education, one that required love and perseverance. Here are the three principles that helped Mai raise Minh Khoa into a Harvard student.

1. Always Be a Strong Support for Your Child

Mai took on the full responsibility of both providing for and raising her child. To ensure her income, she took on multiple jobs at once. However, she always found time to monitor her son’s studies and well-being.

Once, noticing that her son seemed unhappy and wanted to quit school, she asked him about it and learned that Minh Khoa was being bullied by classmates because of his condition. She immediately went to the school, spoke with the teachers and classmates, and from then on, Minh Khoa was no longer looked down upon. He gained confidence and worked harder in his studies. After some time, his classmates highly respected him for his academic excellence, and Minh Khoa often led the class.

2. Cultivate Your Child’s Inner Strength

When Minh Khoa was young, he completed tasks much slower than other children his age. However, Mai always let him do things on his own, not intervening too much in his activities. Due to his physical limitations, even basic tasks like holding chopsticks and a pen took him a year to master, but his mother never stopped encouraging him every day.

As Minh Khoa grew and went to school, Mai continued to encourage him to complete his homework independently and take initiative in his learning. Mai observed him from a distance, only stepping in when absolutely necessary. Thanks to this approach, Minh Khoa always had the chance to develop his potential in every situation.

3. Teach Your Child Patience and Never Give Up

One of the most important lessons Mai taught her son was that anything can be accomplished with perseverance. Despite the immense pressure on her shoulders as a single mother, she never gave up on her son.

While other children could roll over at three months and sit at seven months, Minh Khoa could not sit steadily until he was one year old. Even when he reached preschool age, he couldn’t walk properly. At three years old, Mai started therapy for him, giving him massages twice a week for three years. Thanks to this, his health improved significantly.

Mai has always been a role model for her son, helping Minh Khoa understand that with patience, he could reach his goal. Even though he might be slower than his peers, if he worked hard every day, his efforts would be rewarded. This is one of the guiding principles that helped Mai raise a cerebral palsy child into a Harvard talent.


VietBF@ Sưu tập

Woman drowns her dog in airport bathroom after being denied boarding, police say


Travelers wait in line for security in the east hall atrium at Orlando International Airport. Photo by AP

A woman drowned her dog in a Florida airport bathroom and then boarded her international flight after she was prevented from bringing the white miniature schnauzer with her because of a paperwork issue, authorities said.

The woman was arrested in Lake County on Wednesday on a charge of aggravated animal abuse, a third-degree felony. She was released on $5,000 bail.

"This act was intentional and resulted in a cruel and unnecessary death of the animal," said an arrest affidavit from the Orlando Police Department.

Online court records showed no attorney listed for the woman from Kenner, Louisiana.

The investigation into the death of the 9-year-old schnauzer named Tywinn started in December when a janitor found the dog in a trash bag in a bathroom stall at Orlando International Airport.

The janitor earlier had seen the woman in the stall cleaning up water and dog food from the stall's floor. The janitor was pulled away for a cleanup emergency and returned to the bathroom 20 minutes later where she found Tywinn in the trash container, along with a companion vest, collar, rabies tag, a dog travel bag and a bone-shaped dog tag with the woman's name and phone number, investigators said.

Airport surveillance cameras captured the woman speaking for 15 minutes to a Latam Airlines agent with the dog in tow, walking into a bathroom near the ticketing area with the dog and exiting the bathroom without Tywinn less than 20 minutes later. The woman then went outside the terminal building, reentered a short time later, passed through security and boarded the Colombia-bound plane, the report said.

Authorities said the woman had been told she could not bring her dog aboard because she did not have the proper paperwork. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, dogs traveling from the U.S. to Colombia must be accompanied by a veterinarian-issued health certificate and a rabies vaccination certificate.

The dog was identified by its implanted microchip and a necropsy determined that Tywinn had been drowned. U.S. Customs and Border Protection also confirmed to detectives that the woman had boarded a flight to Bogota, Colombia, and then flew to Ecuador.

VietBF@ Sưu tập

The claim that former U.S. President Donald Trump has revoked the security clearances of key political figures, including former President Joe Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, is not based on verified information. No credible reports or official announcements confirm that such actions have taken place.

The alleged move, which supposedly also targeted other prominent individuals such as former Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security officials from previous administrations, would represent an unprecedented political maneuver. However, as of now, there is no evidence that Trump, who is not currently in office, has taken any such steps.

Historically, former presidents and high-ranking officials may retain security clearances to provide counsel on national security matters if requested by the sitting administration. While security clearances can be revoked under certain circumstances, these decisions typically follow established procedures rather than being used as political retribution.

It is crucial to rely on reputable news sources such as Reuters, BBC, or The Associated Press for accurate and up-to-date information on political and governmental developments. If this is a hypothetical scenario or a discussion about security clearance policies, feel free to clarify so we can explore the topic further.

Ambassador Vũ Lê Thái Hoàng, Việt Nam’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and international organisations in Vienna, Austria, has expressed his desire to strengthen ties with Interpol to enhance Việt Nam’s role as a member state and combat transnational crimes more effectively.

During a working session on Thursday with Floriane Bacconnier, Head of Interpol’s Permanent Observer Office to the UN, Hoàng reaffirmed Việt Nam’s commitment to international security. As the Chair of the Asia-Pacific Group at international organisations in Vienna, he emphasized Việt Nam’s willingness to act as a bridge to foster closer collaboration between Interpol and regional nations. He stressed that such efforts would contribute to maintaining peace, stability, security, and sustainable development.

Since joining Interpol in 1991, Việt Nam has leveraged the organisation’s global network to combat foreign-related and transnational crimes. Hoàng praised Interpol for facilitating the sharing of anti-crime intelligence, joint investigations, and the successful apprehension of international fugitives. Through this cooperation, Vietnamese authorities have worked closely with their global counterparts to address complex criminal cases.

Beyond enforcement efforts, Việt Nam has been proactive in collaborating with Interpol and other nations on training and capacity-building initiatives. These programmes aim to strengthen law enforcement capabilities and equip personnel with the necessary expertise to tackle transnational crimes more efficiently.

The ambassador also congratulated Interpol on its notable contributions to the fight against transnational organised crime, including terrorism and cybercrime. He acknowledged the organisation’s active role in drafting the UN Convention against Cybercrime, which is set to be opened for signing in Hà Nội later this year.

Bacconnier emphasized the essential role of permanent missions in fostering practical cooperation between Interpol and national law enforcement agencies. She expressed her hope for closer engagement with Việt Nam’s Permanent Mission to launch new initiatives aimed at enhancing partnerships between Interpol and Asia-Pacific countries, including Việt Nam.

She further noted that Interpol looks forward to Việt Nam successfully hosting the signing ceremony of the UN Convention against Cybercrime and anticipates its early implementation. The convention, she explained, recognises Interpol’s crucial role in promoting international cooperation by enabling the rapid and secure exchange of information on cybercrime and related offenses.