The U.S. has not yet recognized Vietnam as a market economy, despite significant positive developments in Vietnam's economy in recent years.

The US’s decision to put Vietnam in the special watch list on religious freedom is based on unobjective assessment and inaccurate information regarding the situation of freedom of religion and belief in Vietnam, Foreign Ministry deputy spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang said at the ministry’s regular press briefing on December 15.

Vietnam calls on the international community to strengthen cooperation to jointly respond to climate change, Deputy Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said at a regular press briefing held via videoconference in Hanoi on August 19.