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Vietnamese propaganda officials have admitted deploying people to engage in online discussions and post comments supporting the Communist Party's policies. The party has also confirmed that it operates a network of nearly 1,000 "public opinion shapers". They are assigned with the task of spreading the party line. The tactic is similar to China's model of internet moderators who aim to control news and manipulate opinion. 'Political opportunists' Hanoi Propaganda and Education Department head Ho Quang Loi said that the authorities had hired hundreds of so-called "internet polemists" in the fight against "online hostile forces". While the exact number of these activists is unknown, Mr. Loi revealed that his organisation is running at least 400 online accounts and 20 microblogs. Regular visitors on popular social media networks in Vietnam such as Facebook have long noticed the existence of a number of pro-regime bloggers, who frequently post comments and articles supportive of the Communist Party. The bloggers also take part in online discussions, where they fiercely attack anybody who they see as critical of the regime.

"The number of wildcat strikes in Vietnam doubled last year as workers suffering from Asia’s highest inflation rate struggled to obtain better wages."

"Beijing’s bid to thwart oil and natural gas exploration in two Vietnamese blocks in the South China Sea by India’s ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) has been rebuffed by New Delhi. India’s ministry of external affairs (MEA) said China’s objections have “no legal basis” as the blocks belong to Vietnam." India is backing Saigon. There are good reasons for this. But this is how the struggle for control of the oil blocks on tiny islands, with the 200 mile territorial sovereignty that comes with it, could trigger a global conflict. -- MCR

Avian flu shows signs of a resurgence, while a mutant strain - able to sidestep vaccines - could be spreading in Asia, the United Nations has warned. The variant appeared in Vietnam and China and its risk to humans cannot be predicted, veterinary officials said. Virus circulation in Vietnam threatens Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia, where eight people have died after becoming infected this year, they warned.

China and Vietnam rattle sabers over live fire incident as tension escalate in the South China sea home to important shipping lanes and oil and gas reserves.