Phạm Thu Hằng (diplomat) explained

Phạm Thu Hằng is a Vietnamese diplomat, serving as the director of the press information department and spokesperson of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, serving since 2023.^[1] She previously served deputy director of the press information department and deputy spokesperson.^{[2] [3]} She is the fifth female spokesperson of the ministry.

Phạm served as political counselor for the Embassy of Vietnam, Washington, D.C. from 2017 to 2020.

Career

Following the September 2024 extradition of Y Quynh Bđăp, a Vietnamese citizen imprisoned in Bangkok, Phạm pushed back against criticism that the extradition was an opportunity to crack down on minorities in Vietnam.^[4] Y was convicted in absentia on terrorism charges on allegations he organized anti-government riots in Vietnam’s central highlands in June 2023.

In October 2024, Phạm condemned Chinese attacks on Vietnamese fisherman in contested waters.^[5]

References

1. Web site: en.baochinhphu.vn . 2023-06-09 . Pham Thu Hang named new Foreign Ministry Spokesperson . 2024-10-04 . en.baochinhphu.vn . vi.
2. Web site: 2023-06-08 . Vietnam's Foreign Ministry names new spokesperson . 2024-10-04 . Nhan Dan Online . en.
3. Web site: Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus) . 2023-06-08 . New spokesperson of Foreign Ministry appointed . 2024-10-04 . Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus) . en.
4. Web site: 2024-09-30 . Thai court orders extradition of Vietnam activist who rights groups say will be at risk if returned . 2024-10-04 . AP News . en.
5. Web site: 2024-10-03 . Vietnam condemns China for assault on its fishermen in the disputed South China Sea . 2024-10-04 . AP News . en.