China and South Africa have joined Japan in suspending imports of Brazilian beef over an atypical case of mad cow disease, an official from the agriculture ministry said.

 VietNamNet Bridge – The Japanese Government has committed to grant US$2.6 billion in official development assistance (ODA) to Vietnam in 2013, nearly doubling last year’s figure (US$1.4 billion).

VietNamNet Bridge – National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung’s successful visit to Thailand and Japan is the outstanding imprint in parliamentary external relations this year. 

During his official visit to Japan, National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung on December 6 had meetings with former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and representatives from the Communist Party of Japan (CPJ)

  Vietnam treasures ties with Japan; Vietnam–Japan strategic partnership strengthened; Foreign Minister visits RoK; Cao Dai Holy See 2012 Congress opens; Vietnam voices concern over DPRK’s planned satellite launch

  President greets former Soviet Union veterans; Hai Phong urged to remove business obstacles; President Sang welcomes Vietnam-Japan cooperation; NA Chairman meets Vietnamese expatriates in Thailand

 VietNamNet Bridge – National Assembly (NA) Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung’s visits to Thailand and Japan aim to strengthen legislative ties between Vietnam and these two countries.

  National Assembly Chairman to tour Japan, Thailand; Party leader meets voters in Hanoi; High ranking Chinese Party delegation updates leader on political developments

 Prime Minister welcomes Bulgarian defence chief; HCM City welcomes Malaysian navy ship; Vietnam, Palestine audit cooperation; Vietnam attends communist and worker parties meeting