Latest news with #Hanoi
The Sun
9 hours ago
- General
- The Sun
Terrifying moment passenger planes collide on runway as wing rips through stationary Airbus leaving hundreds stranded
THIS is the harrowing moment two planes collide on a runway - with one slicing through the other's tail wing moments before it takes off. Hundreds were left stranded after the horror collision, which saw a Boeing jet's wing rip through a stationary Airbus in front of terrified passengers. 3 3 3 The two Vietnam Airlines aircraft smashed into each other at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam on June 27. Both flights were grounded and nearly 400 passengers from the two planes were evacuated back to the terminal. In the shocking footage, a blue Airbus can be seen taxi-ing just moments before take-off. But seconds later, another jet's right wing shreds through the rear section of the stationary aircraft - almost like butter. Frightened passengers watched in horror as they saw debris scatter across the tarmac. The plane then stopped and disembarked hundreds of panicked flyers. The crash occurred at 2:23pm local time, and involved a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner bound for Ho Chi Minh City, clipping the tail of a stationary Airbus A321. The Airbus was waiting to depart for Dien Bien, the airport authorities said. The dramatic collision took place at the intersection of taxiways S and S3, under clear weather conditions. Initial investigations suggest the Airbus stopped short of the designated holding point. Heart-stopping moment flames erupt from airborne 153-passenger American Airlines flight as pilot makes eerie disclosure Authorities are therefore looking at pilot error as a potential reason for the smash. A probe has been launched to find any operational or communication-based lapses in judgement. The 386 total passengers from both jets were unharmed. After being left stranded - Vietnam Airlines arranged alternate flights for them to take. Both planes were towed to remote stands for technical inspection. A formal investigation has been started by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) and the Northern Airports Authority. The terrifying footage comes after a recent string of horror aviation accidents. Heartstopping footage showed the moment an American Airlines flight saw smoke and sparks flying from the plane's engine. Harrowing video of the incident was shared on social media, showing puffs of smoke and orange sparks coming from the plane's engine. And last week, a Ryanair flight crashed into a barrier and suffered a badly smashed wing after landing at a Greek airport. The Boeing 737 suffered 'severe turbulence' during the flight, before those onboard heard a huge bang as the aircraft landed and collided with a barrier.
The Sun
12 hours ago
- The Sun
I visited one of the world's cheapest countries that feels like going back hundreds of years – you can find beers for £1
THE sun warmed my face as we soared through the emerald waters on a traditional junk boat, its large sails steering the way. Drifting closer to Unesco World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay, the landscape unfolded like something out of a dream. 6 6 6 In front of me, nearly 2,000 limestone karsts and islets soared from the jade-green waters, their rugged silhouettes softened by tropical vegetation. This was paradise. If Vietnam isn't already on your bucket list, it sure should be. Ha Long Bay was just the beginning for me. A kayaking excursion was also on the horizon and an evening of cold beers in a local bar — along with the promise of adventure, shared with 12 other keen explorers and crammed into a jam-packed ten-day itinerary. This is the unique and brilliant thing about a G Adventures holiday: after just a few days a set of total strangers, from all age ranges and with a love for travel, leave as pals. We were led by a local guide who went above and beyond in recommending the best sights and their expertise made navigating such a vibrant and complex country feel effortless. From the moment I touched down in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, I knew my trip would be unforgettable. The city doesn't just welcome you — it wraps you in its embrace with the hum of motorbikes, the aroma of street food, and a culture so vibrant you can't help but fall in love. One of the most powerful places to visit in this region is Hoa Lò Prison, also called the 'Hanoi Hilton.' Built by the French to hold Vietnamese revolutionaries, the building later became known for imprisoning American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Abandoned Ho Thuy Tien water park in Vietnam And don't miss the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum — a grand memorial and the resting place for Vietnam's beloved former leader, Ho Chi Minh, after whom the city is named, his body preserved inside a Soviet-style building. My favourite memories of Hanoi, however, were on Train Street. This narrow alley is famed for its railway, which runs straight through the centre, so close to the tiny cafés flanking the street that you can feel the rush of air when the carriages whoosh past. Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical. Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties. I sat on a small stool with a Hanoi Beer, waiting for the magic moment. Then, as the train roared towards me, the whole street sprung into action — people moved aside, cameras clicked, and for a few thrilling seconds, it was pure excitement. The next stop on my epic adventure was the coastal city of Hue, a place where history comes alive. I'm not usually a fan of overnight trains and the idea of spending 13 hours onboard had me feeling a little anxious. Emperors and dynasties But, much to my surprise, the experience was a lot of fun. My cosy compartment, which I shared with tour group members, came with four flat beds and I slept like a baby after a few beers in the buffet car. Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical. Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties. Exploring the Royal Tombs and the tranquil Thien Mu Pagoda gave me a sense of the city's rich history. For thrill-seekers like myself, an optional motorbike excursion is an absolute must. I zoomed through the lush countryside, taking in stunning views of the Perfume River. Along the way, I had the chance to try my hand at making incense sticks and learn first-hand how the locals sow their rice fields using traditional methods. The adventure ended on a high note with a refreshing Huda beer, crispy fried spring rolls, and a mouth-watering stir-fried rice noodle dish — all for less than £8. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find a place that charges more than £1 for a beer. The same goes for the city of Hoi An — except it's the food that captivated me most here. After a scenic private coach ride through the breathtaking mountain pass of Hai Van, arriving in Hoi An felt like a love letter, thanks to its lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture and riverside charm. If you're craving a break from spring rolls, noodles, and rice, a visit to Madam Khanh's – The Bánh Mì Queen is a must. Bánh mì is a national sandwich, now known across the world, that blends French and Vietnamese flavours. The much-loved dish is made from a crispy baguette filled with savoury meats such as pork, chicken, or pâté, along with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, cucumber, and a tangy sauce — an irresistible fusion of textures and tastes. The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream. Several hearty mouthfuls were enough to fuel us on a bike ride through lush rice paddies, relaxing on the golden sands of An Bang Beach, before witnessing the incredible skill of local tailors, who crafted two custom suits for me in just a few hours, all for only $250 USD. It was hard to tear ourselves away, but the electrifying energy of Ho Chi Minh City was calling — a sharp contrast to the peaceful calm of Hoi An. A tour in a Cyclo (a bit like a rickshaw, but with riders sitting at the front) is the perfect way to experience this vibrant city's pulse and rich history. We passed the Reunification Palace, where the Vietnam War came to a dramatic end in 1975. Next, we saw the Landing Zone, the apartment building where US government workers were evacuated by helicopter during the Fall of Saigon. 6 6 6 The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream. Then came my highlight: House 287/70 on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, home to a secret bunker that once hid nearly two tonnes of Viet Cong weapons during the 1968 Tet Offensive. Of course, none of this quite compared to the harrowing Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of supply routes once used by Viet Cong soldiers. The experience gave a sobering look at the resilience of the Vietnamese people during the war. If you're claustrophobic, though, you might want to skip crawling along the restored tunnels. It'll only cost you £1, after all.
South China Morning Post
19 hours ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Hanoi's growing role in nuclear diplomacy is a sign of multilateral trust
In a development that may not have made headlines but carries significant diplomatic weight, Vietnam has been nominated to preside over the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) set for 2026. At first glance, this might seem like a routine appointment within the well-worn cycles of international diplomacy. However, at a moment when nuclear anxieties are re-emerging – not least due to Iran's relatively opaque atomic activities – the selection signals a subtle but powerful shift: Vietnam is no longer just a capable regional actor, but a country the international community trusts to navigate the treacherous waters of global nuclear governance. This elevation comes as the spectre of nuclear proliferation once again casts a long shadow over international security. Iran's enrichment capabilities have rekindled fears of a destabilised Middle East, prompting urgent calls for credible diplomatic frameworks. In that context, Vietnam's appointment reflects a collective bet that a nation with no nuclear ambitions – and a history of balancing great power relations – can help restore confidence in a non-proliferation regime under mounting strain. The NPT review conferences are not mere ceremonial gatherings. These are high-stakes diplomatic arenas where nuclear and non-nuclear states negotiate the fragile balance between deterrence and disarmament, peaceful nuclear cooperation and proliferation risks. Presiding over such a conference demands neutrality, negotiation skills and a reputation for constructive engagement. Vietnam's nomination, therefore, is a geopolitical endorsement. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, on June 9. Photo: Reuters
CTV News
21 hours ago
- Business
- CTV News
Israel-Iran was was a wake-up call for Asia's dependence on Middle East oil
HANOI, Vietnam — Asia's dependence on Middle East oil and gas — and its relatively slow shift to clean energy — make it vulnerable to disruptions in shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic weakness highlighted by the war between Israel and Iran. Iran sits on the strait, which handles about 20% of shipments of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas, or LNG. Four countries — China, India, Japan and South Korea — account for 75% of those imports. Japan and South Korea face the highest risk, according to analysis by the research group Zero Carbon Analytics, followed by India and China. All have been slow to scale up use of renewable energy. In 2023, renewables made up just 9% of South Korea's power mix — well below the 33% average among other members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, or OECD. In the same year, Japan relied more heavily on fossil fuels than any other country in the Group of Seven, or G7. A truce in the 12-day Israel-Iran war appeared to be holding, reducing the potential for trouble for now. But experts say the only way to counter lingering uncertainty is to scale back reliance on imported fossil fuels and accelerate Asia's shift to clean, domestic energy sources. 'These are very real risks that countries should be alive to — and should be thinking about in terms of their energy and economic security,' said Murray Worthy, a research analyst at Zero Carbon Analytics. Japan and South Korea are vulnerable China and India are the biggest buyers of oil and LNG passing through the potential chokepoint at the Strait of Hormuz, but Japan and South Korea are more vulnerable. Japan depends on imported fossil fuels for 87% of its total energy use and South Korea imports 81%. China relies on only 20% and India 35%, according to Ember, an independent global energy think tank that promotes clean energy. 'When you bring that together — the share of energy coming through the strait and how much oil and gas they rely on — that's where you see Japan really rise to the top in terms of vulnerability,' said Worthy. Three-quarters of Japan's oil imports and more than 70% of South Korea's oil imports — along with a fifth of its LNG — pass through the strait, said Sam Reynolds of the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis. Both countries have focused more on diversifying fossil fuel sources than on shifting to clean energy. Japan still plans to get 30-40% of its energy from fossil fuels by 2040. It's building new LNG plants and replacing old ones. South Korea plans to get 25.1% of its electricity from LNG by 2030, down from 28% today, and reduce it further to 10.6% by 2038. To meet their 2050 targets for net-zero carbon emissions, both countries must dramatically ramp up use of solar and wind power. That means adding about 9 gigawatts of solar power each year through 2030, according to the thinktank Agora Energiewende. Japan also needs an extra 5 gigawatts of wind annually, and South Korea about 6 gigawatts. Japan's energy policies are inconsistent. It still subsidizes gasoline and diesel, aims to increase its LNG imports and supports oil and gas projects overseas. Offshore wind is hampered by regulatory barriers. Japan has climate goals, but hasn't set firm deadlines for cutting power industry emissions. 'Has Japan done enough? No, they haven't. And what they do is not really the best,' said Tim Daiss, at the APAC Energy Consultancy, citing Japan's program to increase use of hydrogen fuel made from natural gas. South Korea's low electricity rates hinder the profitability of solar and wind projects, discouraging investment, a 'key factor' limiting renewables, said Kwanghee Yeom of Agora Energiewende. He said fair pricing, stronger policy support and other reforms would help speed up adoption of clean energy. China and India have done more — but gaps remain China and India have moved to shield themselves from shocks from changing global energy prices or trade disruptions. China led global growth in wind and solar in 2024, with generating capacity rising 45% and 18%, respectively. It has also boosted domestic gas output even as its reserves have dwindled. By making more electricity at home from clean sources and producing more gas domestically, China has managed to reduce imports of LNG, though it still is the world's largest oil importer, with about half of the more than 11 million barrels per day that it brings in coming from the Middle East. Russia and Malaysia are other major suppliers. India relies heavily on coal and aims to boost coal production by around 42% from now to 2030. But its use of renewables is growing faster, with 30 additional gigawatts of clean power coming online last year, enough to power nearly 18 million Indian homes. By diversifying its suppliers with more imports from the U.S., Russia and other countries in the Middle East, it has somewhat reduced its risk, said Vibhuti Garg of the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis. 'But India still needs a huge push on renewables if it wants to be truly energy secure,' she said. Risks for the rest of Asia A blockade of the Strait of Hormuz could affect other Asian countries, and building up their renewable power generating capacity will be a 'crucial hedge' against the volatility intrinsic to importing oil and gas, said Reynolds of the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis Southeast Asia has become a net oil importer as demand in Malaysia and Indonesia has outstripped supplies, according to the ASEAN Centre for Energy in Jakarta, Indonesia. The 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations still exports more LNG than it imports due to production by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Myanmar. But rising demand means the region will become a net LNG importer by 2032, according to consulting firm Wood Mackenzie. Use of renewable energy is not keeping up with rising demand and production of oil and gas is faltering as older fields run dry. The International Energy Agency has warned that ASEAN's oil import costs could rise from US$130 billion in 2024 to over $200 billion by 2050 if stronger clean energy policies are not enacted. 'Clean energy is not just an imperative for the climate — it's an imperative for national energy security,' said Reynolds. ___ Aniruddha Ghosal, The Associated Press The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
Washington Post
a day ago
- Business
- Washington Post
Israel-Iran war highlights Asia's dependence on Middle East oil, and slow progress on clean energy
HANOI, Vietnam — Asia's dependence on Middle East oil and gas — and its relatively slow shift to clean energy — make it vulnerable to disruptions in shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic weakness highlighted by the war between Israel and Iran. Iran sits on the strait, which handles about 20% of shipments of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas, or LNG. Four countries — China, India, Japan and South Korea — account for 75% of those imports. Japan and South Korea face the highest risk, according to analysis by the research group Zero Carbon Analytics, followed by India and China. All have been slow to scale up use of renewable energy. In 2023, renewables made up just 9% of South Korea's power mix — well below the 33% average among other members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, or OECD. In the same year, Japan relied more heavily on fossil fuels than any other country in the Group of Seven , or G7. A truce in the 12-day Israel-Iran war appeared to be holding, reducing the potential for trouble for now. But experts say the only way to counter lingering uncertainty is to scale back reliance on imported fossil fuels and accelerate Asia's shift to clean, domestic energy sources. 'These are very real risks that countries should be alive to — and should be thinking about in terms of their energy and economic security,' said Murray Worthy, a research analyst at Zero Carbon Analytics. China and India are the biggest buyers of oil and LNG passing through the potential chokepoint at the Strait of Hormuz, but Japan and South Korea are more vulnerable. Japan depends on imported fossil fuels for 87% of its total energy use and South Korea imports 81%. China relies on only 20% and India 35%, according to Ember , an independent global energy think tank that promotes clean energy. 'When you bring that together — the share of energy coming through the strait and how much oil and gas they rely on — that's where you see Japan really rise to the top in terms of vulnerability,' said Worthy. Three-quarters of Japan's oil imports and more than 70% of South Korea's oil imports — along with a fifth of its LNG — pass through the strait, said Sam Reynolds of the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis. Both countries have focused more on diversifying fossil fuel sources than on shifting to clean energy. Japan still plans to get 30-40% of its energy from fossil fuels by 2040. It's building new LNG plants and replacing old ones. South Korea plans to get 25.1% of its electricity from LNG by 2030, down from 28% today, and reduce it further to 10.6% by 2038. To meet their 2050 targets for net-zero carbon emissions, both countries must dramatically ramp up use of solar and wind power. That means adding about 9 gigawatts of solar power each year through 2030, according to the thinktank Agora Energiewende. Japan also needs an extra 5 gigawatts of wind annually, and South Korea about 6 gigawatts. Japan's energy policies are inconsistent. It still subsidizes gasoline and diesel, aims to increase its LNG imports and supports oil and gas projects overseas. Offshore wind is hampered by regulatory barriers. Japan has climate goals, but hasn't set firm deadlines for cutting power industry emissions. 'Has Japan done enough? No, they haven't. And what they do is not really the best,' said Tim Daiss, at the APAC Energy Consultancy, citing Japan's program to increase use of hydrogen fuel made from natural gas. South Korea's low electricity rates hinder the profitability of solar and wind projects, discouraging investment, a 'key factor' limiting renewables, said Kwanghee Yeom of Agora Energiewende. He said fair pricing, stronger policy support and other reforms would help speed up adoption of clean energy. China and India have moved to shield themselves from shocks from changing global energy prices or trade disruptions. China led global growth in wind and solar in 2024, with generating capacity rising 45% and 18%, respectively. It has also boosted domestic gas output even as its reserves have dwindled. By making more electricity at home from clean sources and producing more gas domestically, China has managed to reduce imports of LNG, though it still is the world's largest oil importer, with about half of the more than 11 million barrels per day that it brings in coming from the Middle East. Russia and Malaysia are other major suppliers. India relies heavily on coal and aims to boost coal production by around 42% from now to 2030. But its use of renewables is growing faster, with 30 additional gigawatts of clean power coming online last year, enough to power nearly 18 million Indian homes. By diversifying its suppliers with more imports from the U.S., Russia and other countries in the Middle East, it has somewhat reduced its risk, said Vibhuti Garg of the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis. 'But India still needs a huge push on renewables if it wants to be truly energy secure,' she said. A blockade of the Strait of Hormuz could affect other Asian countries, and building up their renewable power generating capacity will be a 'crucial hedge' against the volatility intrinsic to importing oil and gas, said Reynolds of the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis Southeast Asia has become a net oil importer as demand in Malaysia and Indonesia has outstripped supplies, according to the ASEAN Centre for Energy in Jakarta, Indonesia. The 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations still exports more LNG than it imports due to production by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Myanmar. But rising demand means the region will become a net LNG importer by 2032, according to consulting firm Wood Mackenzie. Use of renewable energy is not keeping up with rising demand and production of oil and gas is faltering as older fields run dry. The International Energy Agency has warned that ASEAN's oil import costs could rise from $130 billion in 2024 to over $200 billion by 2050 if stronger clean energy policies are not enacted. 'Clean energy is not just an imperative for the climate — it's an imperative for national energy security,' said Reynolds. ___ The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
