Archive · 20 Jan 2026
Vietnam's Communist Party Congress Imposes Strict Security
Vietnam’s Communist Party is having a big meeting called a congress.
About 1,600 people will choose new leaders for the country.
The most important job is the general secretary, and the current leader, To Lam, might keep this job.
He has been making big changes in the government and wants to grow the economy fast.
The meeting will also talk about making the country safer and protecting the environment.
The leaders will decide on these plans for the next five years.
The congress is very important because it sets the direction for Vietnam.
This year, the meeting has very strict rules.
Delegates can't use their phones or the internet.
They have to stay in special places and use tablets that only work inside the meeting.
Journalists also have to follow strict rules.
These rules are meant to keep everything secret and safe, but some people think they are too strict.
About 1,600 delegates will elect a 200-person Central Committee, which will then pick up to 19 members of the Politburo, including the general secretary.
Current general secretary To Lam is likely to retain his role and may also become state president.
Lam has introduced significant administrative and economic reforms, including cutting government jobs and launching infrastructure projects.
The congress will set economic goals, prioritizing at least 10% annual growth and focusing on security and defense.
Delegates were given Samsung tablets without internet access and had no access to mobile networks, with strict rules on accommodation and communication.
- Who
- Vietnam’s Communist Party delegates and journalists covering the event
- What
- Strict security measures and information control at the Communist Party congress
- When
- January 19-25, 2025
- Where
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- Why
- To maintain order, prevent leaks, and control the flow of information during the sensitive political event
Security Measures
Information Control
Security Measures
Security Measures
Necessary for maintaining order and preventing leaks during a sensitive political event.
Information Control
Excessive and restrictive, limiting the freedom and communication of delegates and journalists.
Information Control
Security Measures
Ensures the integrity and confidentiality of internal party discussions and decisions.
Information Control
Monopolizes information, restricting transparency and the flow of information to the public.
- Delegates
- 1,600
- Central Committee Size
- 200
- Congress Duration
- January 19-25, 2025
- Economic Growth Target
- At least 10% annually over the next five years
- Party Members
- 5.6 million
- Country Population
- 100 million
- Tablet Provided
- Samsung tablet computers without an internet connection
- Accommodation
- Designated accommodation for all delegates
Sources
Vietnam’s Communist Party begins congress to choose its leader
Vietnam’s Communist Party begins week-long congress to choose leader
No phones, pre-set tablets for delegates at Vietnam’s Communist Party congress
Vietnam’s Lam pledges growth above 10% despite global disruptions
Vietnam’s Lam pledges growth above 10% despite global challenges