Question: China today said it was launching a dispute in the WTO over European Union duties on leather footwear. The duties also applied to Vietnam. Is Vietnam joining China in this action at the WTO? If not, why? Does Vietnam plan its own action in the WTO?

Question: How significant is it to select 2010 as the Viet Nam-China Friendship Year?

Vietnam will do its utmost to fulfil the role of ASEAN Chair, enhance economic and cultural diplomacy and overseas affairs and continue deepening relationships between Vietnam and other countries this year.

Comments from Britain, the US and EU on recent trials against those who have broken Vietnam’s laws show “a lack of goodwill” and amounts to “interference in country’s internal affairs,” the foreign ministry said.