(TAP) - Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang firmly rejected the recommendation by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) to designate Vietnam as countries of particular concern on religious freedom in its 2026 annual report.
Source: chinhphu.vn
Responding to reporters’ questions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ press briefing in Hanoi on March 19, spokesperson Pham Thu Hang stated that the assessments and recommendations by USCIRF are biased, inaccurate, and based on misleading information with ill intent toward Vietnam. The Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson reaffirmed Vietnam’s consistent policy of respecting and ensuring human rights, including the right to freedom of belief and religion. This right is clearly stipulated in the 2013 Constitution of Vietnam, and further codified in the legal system and implemented in practice.
According to Pham Thu Hang, in Vietnam, no citizen is discriminated against on the basis of religion or belief, and religious organizations are guaranteed to operate in accordance with the law. Vietnam is also willing to engage in dialogue with the United States on issues of mutual concern in a frank, open, and respectful manner, in line with the framework of the Vietnam - U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.
In addition, Pham Thu Hang also addressed a question regarding the announcement by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump to launch a new trade investigation into industrial overcapacity among 16 major trading partners, including Vietnam. The Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasized that Vietnam’s economy operates fully and consistently based on market economy principles, and has been recognized by many countries. She noted that production and business activities in Vietnam are geared toward sustainable development, while strictly complying with relevant regulations and aligning with commitments under the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Source: chinhphu.vn
According to the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, in recent years, economic, trade, and investment relations between Vietnam and the United States have continued to develop positively, bringing practical benefits to businesses and people in both countries. Pham Thu Hang stated: “Vietnam maintains regular exchanges and dialogue with the United States, and will continue to closely coordinate with relevant U.S. agencies to share information and clarify Vietnam’s policies and regulations, with a view to building a stable, long-term, and mutually beneficial framework for economic cooperation between the two sides”.
Tri Dat
