Around $16 billion in remittances were sent to Vietnam this year, roughly the same as last year, according to the government.

The figure, which came from nearly 6 million Vietnamese residing in 130 countries and territories, contributed to many economic, scientific, educational and healthcare activities in Vietnam, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son said in an interview Thursday.

Last year the $16 billion remittances marked a new record for Vietnam after a period of slow growth due to the impact of Covid-19.

The Chinese PLA Navy today, December 27, celebrated the float out of the first of its next-generation amphibious assault ships. The vessel named Sichuan is reported to be the largest of its kind and incorporates advanced technology.

The new ship was built at Hudong-Zhonghau Shipbuilding, a division of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). Remarkably, China claims the vessel is just four years from design to float out. It will now undergo outfitting before starting dock and later sea trials.

The Russian Navy has officially commissioned the nuclear-powered submarine Arkhangelsk, the latest addition to the Yasen-M-class of fourth-generation submarines. 

Built at the Sevmash Shipyard in northwestern Russia, the Arkhangelsk will serve in the Northern Fleet of the Russian Navy, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Defense.